Planting the Seeds of Algebra, PreK-2

Monica Neagoy, international consultant and popular keynote speaker, has a passion for mathematics. The facets of her 25-year mathematics career include teacher professional development, math specialist training, national/international conference speeches, live television courses, video creation and hosting, and live shows including her popular MathMagic show. Whether here or abroad, whether speaking English, French, or Spanish, Monica's life-long goal is to infuse people with a fascination for the wonder of mathematics. Dr. Neagoy began her career teaching mathematics at Georgetown University. Later, she was a program director at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she oversaw national projects. As an independent national mathematics consultant, she has served numerous school districts across the country and notable organizations including the Carnegie Institution of Washington, PBS TeacherLine, MATHCOUNTS, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Since 2005, she broadened her mathematics consulting to serve Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, in addition to the United States. Dr. Neagoy has had a parallel career in theatre as actor, choreographer, and stage-director, particularly with the professional LE NEON Theatre in the Washington, D.C. area. Her exposure to many cultures, mastery of several languages, double career in the arts and the sciences, and mindfulness training through yoga practice and teaching provide her with a unique perspective on the learning and teaching of mathematics. Her passions for mathematics and the arts converge in her popular presentation, "The Mathematics of Beauty and the Beauty of Mathematics." Dr. Neagoy combined her love for the arts and the sciences in the creation of innovative mathematics videos series for teachers and students, including Discovering Algebra with Graphing Calculators (Discovery Education), Algebra Nspirations (Media4Math), and Video #7 of Mathematics: What's the Big Idea? titled "Algebra: It Begins in Kindergarten" (Annenberg Learner). Monica was educated in the French school system, grades 1-12, in Asia and the United States. She has a BS in mathematics and philosophy from Georgetown University, an MA in pure mathematics from Catholic University, and a PhD in mathematics education from the University of Maryland.

Foreword by Jennifer Bay-Williams Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Exploration I. Addition: Beyond Just Memorizing Addition Facts 1. Making 7 - The Lesson (Grades PreK-K) 2. Behind Making 7 - Algebra Connections 3. Beyond Making 7 - More Problems to Explore Exploration II. Subtraction: More Than Just "Take Away" 4. Sticker Stickler - The Lesson (Grades 1-2) 5. Behind Sticker Stickler - Algebra Connections 6. Beyond Sticker Stickler - More Problems to Explore Exploration III. Patterns and Functions: What's the Connection? 7. Patterns of Cubes - The Lesson (Grade 2) 8. Behind Patterns of Cubes - Algebra Connections 9. Beyond Patterns of Cubes - More Problems to Explore Exploration IV. Odd and Even Numbers: Beyond the Last-Digit Rule 10. Double Deckers - A Math-Night Presentation 11. Final Thoughts References Index

"This is a must-have resource for any early childhood mathematics teacher. Monica Neagoy plants the seeds of algebraic understanding through her story-like explorations involving patterns, operations with whole numbers, and so much more. The responses from children and teachers not only shape the importance of the book, but frame a presentation style that gives teachers a sense of 'I can do this!'" -- Francis (Skip) Fennell, L. Stanley Bowlsbey Professor of Education, McDaniel College and Past President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics "This book is an excellent resource for a lesson-study group looking to deepen both their own knowledge of the interconnectedness of mathematics from the primary grades on up, and how to build a truly rich mathematical foundation for their students from the start." -- H. Caroline Piangerelli, PreK-12 Mathematics Specialist "The Common Core Standards call for all students to be competent in algebra. Algebraic concepts must be introduced in the primary grades to reach this goal. This book will deepen educators' understanding of algebra and shows how to set a firm foundation for students' future study." -- Charyl Kerns Hills, Elementary Mathematics & Technology Integration Specialist "This book is original, informative and engaging. The author does a great job of helping teachers understand how to further students' mathematical thinking to gain a certain flexibility and confidence. She also supports teachers by providing the necessary mathematical background for seeing the bigger picture of their students' math learning and thinking." -- Rosamaria Murillo, Principal "This book inspired me to rethink the way I approach math with my second graders. Monica Neagoy encourages teachers to allow children to arrive at answers through guided exploration and conceptual thinking. This approach makes math more enjoyable for teachers and students." -- Mollie M. Cura, Second-Grade Teacher "Monica Neagoy displays amazing math expertise and teaching prowess. Her enthusiasm for guiding teachers to expand their understanding of algebra is contagious. I have a deeper understanding of the expansive process I want to explore with young children. Through this book, she definitely takes us on a stimulating mathematical journey." -- Donna Ryan, Kindergarten Teacher "In clear and easy-to-follow language, Monica Neagoy shows how what teachers do at the elementary level fits into the big picture of students' success in higher math. This will be the go-to book for primary teachers who see the value of developing algebraic thinking in their students." -- Karen Kavaklian-D'Annecy, First-Grade Teacher "Given the place and nature of Algebra in the mathematics curriculum-late, isolated, and technical-it is a very worthwhile effort to show that algebraic ideas can be introduced earlier, focus more on reasoning and problem solving, and stress the connections to all aspects of mathematics. This book is thought provoking and sets the direction for 21st century competencies." -- Jan de Lange, Founder and Director "Monica's Pre-K through 2 journeys will inspire every lover of learning and foster a passion for mathematical thinking!" -- Sheila Hensley, Pre-K Teacher "Planting the Seeds of Algebra, PreK-2 offers wonderful explorations coupled with specific details that will support teachers as they strive to spark and nurture children's love of mathematics. Dr. Monica Neagoy honors young students' ways of understanding mathematical ideas while looking for avenues to help move them forward in their reasoning." -- LouAnn H. Lovin, Professor of Mathematics Education "This delightful book makes it easy for even the most intimidated and mathematically challenged teachers to nurture algebraic thinking in our young children and explains convincingly why it is so important that we do so. Monica's intimate, entertaining, informative, and inspiring accounts of her interactions with budding math students model for us precisely what we can say and do to keep our children off the computation treadmill and join them on the footpath of exploration and discovery in the quest for deeper understanding and true math fitness." -- Heather Gholson, Home educator "Dr. Neagoy illustrates through her examples in the classroom how algebra can be achieved by ALL when algebraic thinking is developed in the very early years. Through a variety of strategies and activities, young students construct understanding of rather complex mathematical concepts which will make the transition to a more formal course in algebra almost seamless." -- Leona Penner, Mathematics Teacher "Monica Neagoy provides in-depth stratagies and grade-specific approaches for building a foundation of math skills in the early grades, and is a 'must' pick for any early childhood math teacher." -- Midwest Book Review, September 2012