Manipulatives for Algebraic Reasoning, Grades 3 - 8

Algebraic reasoning starts long before students enter an Algebra 1 classroom. The foundations are built in the elementary and middle grades—through rich tasks, visual models, and meaningful exploration of patterns, structures, and relationships.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how manipulatives—such as pattern blocks, algebra tiles, number lines, and color tiles—can make abstract concepts visible and accessible for all learners. Designed for math educators in Grades 3–8, this session focuses on using hands-on tools to build deep understanding of equality, variables, expressions, equations, proportional reasoning, and functional thinking.

You’ll leave equipped with classroom-ready strategies that bridge concrete experiences to symbolic reasoning, support the progression of algebraic thinking, and develop the confidence students need for future success in mathematics.

Participants will:

• Understand how early algebraic thinking develops across Grades 3–8 math
• Use manipulatives to explore key concepts such as equality, variables, expressions, equations, proportional reasoning, and functional thinking
• Learn how to connect concrete representations to abstract thinking to support conceptual understanding and fluency
• Leave with practical strategies and hands-on activities to support the development of algebraic reasoning