Planting the Seeds of Algebra, 3-5

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 a Mathematics Educator by Dr. Francis (Skip) Fennell Foreword by a Mathematician by Dr. Keith Devlin Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Exploration I. Geometry, Measurement, and Data: An Algebraic Perspective Chapter 1. Circling Circles: The Lesson (Grade 3) Chapter 2. Behind Circling Circles: Algebra Connections Chapter 3. Beyond Circling Circles: More Problems to Explore Exploration II. Patterns and Functions: What's Their Connection to Algebra? Chapter 4. Fancy Fences: The Lesson (Grades 4-5) Chapter 5. Behind Fancy Fences: Algebra Connections Chapter 6. Beyond Fancy Fences: More Problems to Explore Exploration III. Making Sense of Multiplication: The Importance of the Distributive Property Chapter 7. Multiplication Musings: The Lesson (Grades 3-4) Chapter 8. Behind Multiplication Musings: Algebra Connections Chapter 9. Beyond Multiplication Musings: More Problems to Explore Exploration IV. Fundamentals of Rational Numbers: Beyond Part-Whole Relationships Chapter 10. Fractions in Action: From Work With Teachers, Students, and Parents (Grades 3-5) Chapter 11. Final Thoughts Appendix References Index

"The classroom demonstration lessons are so detailed that after perusing the lesson, creating a few charts, and gathering materials teachers will be able to implement the lesson immediately." -- Stacey Bennett Ferguson, 4th grade teacher "This book will make classroom instruction more effective while transitioning to Common Core State Standards requirements. Elementary students will benefit greatly after making meaningful connections to foundational algebraic concepts in later grades." -- Nancy J. Larsen, 6th grade teacher "This book is terrific! Well-written and FULL of information. The writer is SO knowledgeable and presents the information SO well. Background information and sample lessons are provided that will make the teacher the expert and the students active learners who carry a positive attitude and better understanding of math with them to middle and high school." -- Joyce Sager, Inclusion Math Teacher "Discover how math is about more than just learning the algorithm to get the right answer. If given stimulating problems to explore, children can discover how to solve problems using algebraic thinking! Teachers who engage in the strategies presented in this book will be able to support students as they learn. Whether you love math or find it intimidating, this book will lead you to enjoy thinking mathematically." -- Amy Krumich, 3rd grade teacher "Dr. Neagoy artfully combines theory, research, and practice to transform the way elementary teachers think about and teach algebraic concepts. Teachers who read this book will enter the classroom with enhanced knowledge, confidence, passion, and a deep understanding about how teaching algebraic concepts will delight and inspire students while setting them up for future mathematical success. If you want your teachers to understand foundational algebraic principles, read detailed math explorations that they can replicate in their classrooms, learn how upper elementary mathematics leads to higher level algebraic thinking, and inspire their students to love math, then give them a copy of Planting the Seeds of Algebra 3-5." -- Bob Weiman, Lower School Director/Assistant Head of School "This is an invaluable resource for any teacher hoping to offer their students a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Filled with engaging and interactive activities and lessons based on extensive research. It will help teachers learn the math in depth, allowing for greater differentiation in their teaching." -- Ann Bremner, Math Resource Teacher "Monica Neagoy's extensive knowledge of mathematics is surpassed only by her exceptional ability to impart that knowledge to others. She thrives on helping educators and their students arrive independently at solutions in order to construct their own understanding of concepts. In this text, Dr. Neagoy directly addresses the teaching of many of the most challenging topics in elementary mathematics, explaining them in clear and precise terms. This enriching text belongs on the bookshelf of every mathematics teacher." -- Kerianne Gritt, 5th Grade Teacher "This book demonstrates Dr. Neagoy's deep commitment to helping our students think critically and develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Dr. Neagoy describes where we can incorporate algebra concepts into our classrooms so our students are better prepared." -- Jay Tucker, 4th grade math teacher "Dr. Monica Neagoy?s passion for mathematics is contagious: it comes through her writings and even more when she presents her ideas in person. Working with Dr. Monica Neagoy over two years, and getting her book ideas first hand, has given me a deeper appreciation for mathematics and has made me a stronger math teacher. Her energy inspires teachers, students, and parents to want to learn more about the magic of algebra." -- Jennifer Gibbs, 5th grade teacher "Dr. Neagoy's lessons and ideas dramatically changed my approach to teaching mathematics and my students' approach to thinking mathematically. Math time became about solving complex problems, debating over solutions, and articulating processes in ways that demonstrate deep understanding. My students became collaborators and co-constructors in their own learning. Through Dr. Neagoy's work, I realized that I no longer need to be the content expert and impart that content to my students through tired lessons. Rather, I am the facilitator of guided discovery and rich discussions." -- Mollie Cura, International Educational Consultant "This book does an excellent job of presenting the four classroom lessons, including student questions and responses. Overall, I found the book to be interesting and insightful." -- Greg Soster