Algebra Tiles Tutorial Video

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In this post, I linked a set of digital 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. 

Algebra Tiles Resources

Digital Algebra tiles

To meet the needs of classrooms with technology, I converted the printable algebra tiles to a set of digital algebra tiles. 

They are all ready for teaching factoring quadratics, but you can add a slide to the Google Slides file and use them to teach integers, expressions, equations or polynomials, too. They are free here: digital algebra tiles

There is also a free set of printable algebra tiles in my Dropbox here.

digital algebra tiles - free

This set of digital algebra tiles is set up for factoring quadratics, but can easily be used for any topic. Simply click on the slide, select all of the algebra tiles on the slide (Ctrl+A) and paste them in a new slide (Ctrl+V).

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