In this post are linked a couple free sets of algebra tiles, a pack of algebra tiles printables that includes printable algebra tiles and solving mats, and a video tutorial for using algebra tiles in middle school math.
I originally filmed this video in the summer of 2020 as part of that year's Moving Math Forward conference. The feedback I received from the video was so heartwarming that I decided to park it here permanently on my blog. In the video, I show how to use algebra tiles to teach a number of middle school math topics, from combining integers to solving equations. In no way do I feel that using algebra tiles is the only way to teach these topics. For better or for worse, I believe in presenting students with a variety of methods when it comes to teaching just about any math topic. I feel this allows students to figure out for themselves which method or methods they like best. But algebra tiles are just so cool in how they make numbers feel concrete and permanent, and I feel they're a worthwhile add-on to just about any lesson.
Inside the pack of algebra tiles printables is everything you need to bring algebra tiles into your math classroom, including:
⬢ Printable double-sided algebra tiles with + and - sides
⬢ Printable mats for:
-solving equations,
-simplifying expressions,
-adding, subtracting multiplying and dividing integers,
-multiplying polynomials and
-factoring quadratics
When in the classroom, the mats in this download can be placed inside page protectors so that students can write on them with dry-erase markers as they practice with their tiles.
I like using algebra tiles as a way to "prove" to students that numbers are concrete and never magically disappear, just like building blocks! I like to use them as part of an introduction lesson or to give students a different perspective of the math we are learning.
I can't seem to find the digital algebra tiles. It takes me to TPT. TPT brings me to a pdf download which brings me to this this post. If I click on the free digital algebra tiles, it takes me back to TPT, which brings me back to pdf download, which brings me to this post. I feel like I am missing something.
I'm sorry for causing confusion! The PDF from TPT is the right place to go. I linked the digital algebra tiles inside. There will be a blue link on page 2 of the PDF that reads "Digital Algebra Tiles". Clicking on this will prompt you to make a copy of the tiles' Google Slides file.
Love your work! Thank you so much for all your help. I work with non-English Migrant students from K-9th grades. Have no budget, but I grab all the freebies I can from you. Again thank you!
Oooo, good question! I'm not sure. It would be neat to see a "3-D" set, but I'm not too sure about the logistics. Or maybe I'm totally overthinking and it's out there. Off to YouTube...
I can't seem to find the digital algebra tiles. It takes me to TPT. TPT brings me to a pdf download which brings me to this this post. If I click on the free digital algebra tiles, it takes me back to TPT, which brings me back to pdf download, which brings me to this post. I feel like I am missing something.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for causing confusion! The PDF from TPT is the right place to go. I linked the digital algebra tiles inside. There will be a blue link on page 2 of the PDF that reads "Digital Algebra Tiles". Clicking on this will prompt you to make a copy of the tiles' Google Slides file.
DeleteLove your work! Thank you so much for all your help. I work with non-English Migrant students from K-9th grades. Have no budget, but I grab all the freebies I can from you. Again thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou do amazing work! If I can be of any help, please just send an email. shana@scaffoldedmath.com
DeleteI just recently discovered Algebra Tiles and am excited to use them in the classroom however, is there anything similar to use to multiply trinomials?
ReplyDeleteOooo, good question! I'm not sure. It would be neat to see a "3-D" set, but I'm not too sure about the logistics. Or maybe I'm totally overthinking and it's out there. Off to YouTube...
Delete