When I first started teaching 5th grade I was shocked about a lot of things. Like how many times do I have to tell kids to wear deodorant, I know you like her but that’s not how you show it. But all of that aside, I was shocked to learn that algebraic expressions for 5th grade were a real thing!
Algebra in elementary school?!
Yes, math for 5th graders does indeed include writing expressions with variables.
Once I put my shock aside, worry set in.
How on earth do I teach algebra to 5th graders? Like variables? Expressions? Solving for answers?
That sounds like a lot.
And it can be, but it doesn’t have to be complicated!
Also, breathe easy. As a current 6th-grade math teacher, I can tell you that this topic for sure comes back in middle school. So give students a taste of algebra, but don’t worry too much. 6th grade tackles much more of the algebra side and 7th grade does even more of it.
Algebra for 5th Graders
First, let’s start with what algebra for 5th graders really means. I teach in a state that uses Common Core so I pull my direction straight from the standards. This is what the Common Core Standards require for 5th graders to know about algebra.
- Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions with these symbols.
- Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them. For example, express the calculation “add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2” as 2 × (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 × (18932 + 921) is three times as large as 18932 + 921, without having to calculate the indicated sum or product.
- 3. Generate two numerical patterns using two given rules. Identify apparent relationships between corresponding terms. Form ordered pairs consisting of corresponding terms from the two patterns, and graph the ordered pairs on a coordinate plane. For example, given the rule “Add 3” and the starting number 0, and given the rule “Add 6” and the starting number 0, generate terms in the resulting sequences, and observe that the terms in one sequence are twice the corresponding terms in the other sequence. Explain informally why this is so.
These standards essentially tackle 4 topics: order of operations without exponents, writing simple expressions in words, understanding the value of expressions without evaluating them, and creating patterns with a given rule.
When said like that, algebra for 5th graders doesn’t sound too complicated.
How to teach algebra to 5th graders?
Now, how to teach algebra to 5th graders. I try to keep my math lessons as hands-on and engaging as possible. I’ve rounded up some of my basic tips that can be totally applied to algebra but really any topic you are teaching.
Keep lessons short a sweet
5th graders don’t have the longest attention span so keep lessons under 15 minutes whole group. I use anchor charts or short fill-in-the-blank notes to keep students engaged.
Make Algbraic Expressions for 5th Grade Hands On
Hands-on, minds-on is my strategy with volume for 5th grade but also for algebra. Using index cards, physical manipulatives and even simplifying moving around the room can get kids engaged.
Use Math Learning Centers
I love using math learning centers in my 5th-grade classroom. If you are looking to get started with your own math station rotations, be sure to check out my 5 part video series that shares the who, what, when, where, why, and how of math stations. The best part? It’s totally free! Just drop your email below and get the videos sent straight to your inbox. Easiest PD ever!
Math expressions examples
One of the more challenging parts of teaching algebraic expressions for 5th grade was trying to figure out what writing expressions looked like. Using a curriculum like this one helped me understand what writing expressions with variables looked like and how to help my students do the same thing.
I loved using matching cards to do the same thing. Students used this as a math station rotation idea as well as a whole group activity for a week to help students really understand writing expressions with variables.
Then I gave them a chance to be the teacher and write their own math expressions examples for their classmates. They wrote a phrase and their classmates had to practice writing expressions with variables.
These lessons really helped my students with learning and practicing algebraic expressions for 5th grade.
Writing expressions worksheet
Sometimes you just need a writing expressions worksheet. Worksheets aren’t bad! On the contrary, worksheets can offer valuable practice and serve as a resource for students to refer back to later. I’m sharing some of my favorite algebraic expressions for 5th grade worksheets below.
Full Algebraic Expressions for 5th Grade Unit
This unit has it all! No, really it does! From daily notes pages with blanks for students to fill in, to videos that match the notes pages that are perfect for a math station rotation idea to the unit test and homework practice pages, this unit has it all!
- Fill in the blank notes with short videos (5-10 minutes) to match the notes sheet. These are perfect for a flipped classroom or for absent students.
- Algebra for 5th graders worksheets for homework or guided practice. These also make easy, independent work for math station rotations.
- Math Exit Tickets for each day of notes are included. They are available in 3 different forms: paper slips, Google Slides to present to the class, and Google Forms for self-grading.
- A mid-unit quiz
- Study Guide to review your entire operations on decimal numbers unit
- 2 Versions of the Test for retake options or they can be used for a pretest and post-test data point
- Data Tracking Spreadsheets for simple data tracking on exit tickets, assessments, or Common Core Standards
Algebra games for 5th grade
It’s no secret that I love using math games that are fun in my classroom! This set of algebra games for 5th grade is among some of my favorites.
Algebraic Expressions for 5th Grade: Round Table Activity
Students practice solving order of operations in math problems but there’s a catch. They solve 1 step of the order of operations and then trade papers, each student solving 1 step at a time. This works out because students are working out step by step, but they are also trading papers. I have students check each other’s work as they are going so that there’s more of a collaboration piece to the game too!
Dice Games for Kids
Shake and bake, err shake and make math problems! This game is a low-prep math station rotation that is fun for kids. They create their own math problems and then compete against a partner. Because they are rolling dice, there’s a game element to it and students can replay this game over and over, meaning less work for you as the teacher!
Pre-Made Choice Board Templates
Love using choice boards but don’t want to create your own? Choose between 6 options or 9 and simply print (or digitally assign) to your students. These prompts are good for your entire algebraic expressions for 5th grade unit making this a fun idea for fast finishers or to use as math stations. If you want to learn more about choice board templates, be sure to check out this blog post.
All of these algebraic games for 5th grade are available as a bundle that you can grab here.
More algebraic expressions for 5th grade ideas
Looking for even more algebraic expressions for 5th grade teaching ideas? I’ve searched high and low from some of the best blog posts sharing even more lessons and activities to use with your algebra for 5th graders unit.
- 12 Ways to Practice Writing Expressions in Math
- Order of Operations: No-fail Strategies That Really Work!
- Teaching Order of Operations
- Hands on Activities for Order of Operations in Math
I’d love to know your favorite algebraic expressions for 5th grade teaching ideas. Drop them in the comments and let’s share the teaching tips!
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