Tips for Teaching Algebra 1
Teaching Algebra 1 can be a lot of work. Students learn new concepts and face lots of new challenges. (But help is here!) To help you prepare for your best year yet of Algebra 1, I’ve gathered a few of my best tips and favorite resources!
Tip #1: Find out what students know.
This tip may seem obvious, but let’s talk about how we do this effectively.
First let’s focus on what students understand (instead of what they don’t). Second, let’s do this with a low pressure activity. (The pressure of a pre-test doesn’t always give us all the data.) Third, let’s send a positive message from the start about math class. We want students to know they can ask for help, and that math class can be enjoyable.
One of my favorite beginning of the year activities is this Algebra 1 Prerequisite Skills Review.
This activity has 7 important prerequisite topics for students to practice. It’s a coloring activity, so it’s engaging and low pressure. Plus, you’ll immediately know which concepts your students understand.
Tip #2: Be sure students understand everything (and I mean everything) about linear functions.
It can be very tempting to rush to get to all the the others types of functions students learn in Algebra 1. However, if they do not have a solid foundation with linear functions, they will struggle.
Many end of year tests will ask students to distinguish exponential and quadratic functions from linear functions. Really understanding linear functions is the first step in preparing students for these questions.
Multiple Representations of Linear Equations is an activity that gets students to connect linear equations, graphs, tables, and stories. Each task provides a little bit of information, and students fill in the rest.
Here are some ways you might use these task sheets:
Place them in dry erase sleeves for students to practice with partners.
Create a packet of tasks for each student to complete.
Use one (or more) as assessments to see what your students understand.
Click here for these multiple representation tasks.
Tip #3: Look for opportunities to learn and deepen your own knowledge of the topics you teach.
Whether you're an algebra teaching pro or beginner, there's always more to learn. When we as teachers continue learning, we get a couple benefits…
We see new ways to teach our students.
We get the experience of a learner. This helps us relate to our students!
Check out this FREE training that I hope will deepen your knowledge of polynomials.
This 1-hour training will give you ideas for teaching multiplying polynomials, factoring, and completing the square. We connect algebra tiles to area models and the standard algorithms.
By the way, I never used algebra tiles in school. But… when I finally explored how they worked, I made so many connections to the procedures. It was so eye-opening!
I hope this workshop gives you those ah-ha moments, even if you have never used algebra tiles before.
Tip #4: Make it real!
Algebra can feel like a very abstract topic, so real world context is key for keeping it relatable. Whenever possible, connections to real events will help students think about the math.
One of my favorite real world connections is this opening lesson for exponential functions. This activity gets students thinking about exponential growth (without them even realizing it at first)! Plus it's super engaging.
This lesson starts out with a “would you rather” question. One option involves doubling pennies, and it leads to some awesome thinking and math conversations.
This intro really helps students start to wrap their heads around exponential growth.
Tip #5: Make a plan for the year for all the standards you need to teach.
I think one of the biggest struggles for teachers (and students) is fitting the huge amount of Algebra 1 content into the year. The standards have a lot of content, and the content is challenging.
Without a plan, the year can quickly slip by.
Think of your plan for the year as a goal. You may need to make adjustments along the way, but it gives you a vision of how you want the year to progress.
To help you plan, check out my free Algebra 1 Scope & Sequence. This planning guide has every unit with its standards and objectives. Resources are linked for each day.
There are blank spaces where you can fill in tentative dates as you plan.
By the way, if your Algebra 1 class also includes 8th grade standards, check out the 8th Grade Math + Algebra 1 Guide here.
Here's a bonus tip:
If you are feeling a time crunch, you are not alone. (Almost every Algebra teacher I've known feels it!) But also, prioritize what benefits student learning the most. Prioritize the lessons and activities that get students thinking. Those lessons will help you (and your students) have your best year yet!
Are you excited to give your students a meaningful and engaging year of Algebra 1… but also wondering where you'll find the lessons and activities to make it happen?
Let me help you prepare lessons that make students think… that connect to the real world… that build real understanding.
Check out this bundle that includes resources for the ENTIRE YEAR of Algebra 1!
These resources include discovery learning and engaging activities with real world connections. Lessons help you teach the standards, encourage collaboration, and challenge students to think.
Some teachers use the activities to supplement a curriculum they are given. Other teachers use this bundle as their curriculum.
I hope these tips have been helpful as you plan, prepare, and teach Algebra 1 to your students!
