Teaching Algebra 1
That Actually Makes Sense
Strategies and classroom-ready resources designed to make your daily life easier as you try to teach Algebra 1 to ELLs and struggling students. Written with real classrooms in mind, you'll find support for curriculum and language demands that seamlessly integrate into your existing lessons.
Strategies for Teaching Algebra 1
Classroom-tested approaches for making Algebra 1 accessible for all learners. With specific strategies for English Language Learners and other strategies that will benefit all students in building academic language and geometry skills.
Algebra 1 is a foundational course, built around paterns and, relationships. The real challenge lies in mastering
abstract notation, dense vocabulary, and problem-solving.
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Make Language Explicit (Not Assumed)
Algebra has a lot of academic vocabulary that is required to understand even the most basic of concepts. Think about coefficient, expression, solve, simplify.
Make sure to teach students the vocabulary.
Try using strategies such as:
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Pre-teaching vocabulary before the lesson
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Use student-friendly definitions
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Pair words with visuals, symbols, and examples
Visual Word Walls
A word wall only works if students actually use it. Place terms where students can see them and ensure each term has a diagram. While not always possible, having students add terms to the wall helps build ownership and encourages use.
Don't have room for a word wall? Have students create personal word walls or glossaries to keep in a binder for reference at school or at home.
Scaffold Word Problems
Word problems are often the biggest barrier for ELLs. When teaching word problems, break each question into chunks and underline or highlight key information. This gives students time to understand what the question is asking.
Make sure to teach students to identify:
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What is known
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What is being asked
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How to find key numbers and units
Connect to Real-Life
Algebra 1 thinking skills are important; we as teachers know that, but our students do not. Make sure to include familiar scenarios in both your examples and in the problems you give students.
When we make connections, it helps students activate background knowledge before we introduce new concepts. This helps students connect math to their own experiences.
Algebra 1 Blog Posts
Real insights from a secondary math classroom that are honest, practical, and written for teachers who are in the thick of it.
