“Without any doubt, the foundational skill of algebra is fluency
in the use of symbols.” Final Report of the National Mathematics
Advisory Panel Report of the Task Group on Conceptual Knowledge
and Skills, Page 17 The NCTM Principles and Standards for School
Mathematics notes that “a strong foundation in algebra should be
in place by the end of the eighth grade.” Hands-On Equations is
the unique program that is able to provide students with that
foundation beginning in the 3rd and 4th grades. One of the
greatest stumbling blocks that students have to the learning of
algebra is the abstract nature of the symbolism that is used.
Indeed, the final report of the National Mathematics Advisory
Panel noted (page 60) that, “Many students have difficulty
grasping the syntax or structure of algebraic expressions.” This
is another way of saying that for many students algebra is a
foreign language. Hands-On Equations performs the essential
function of demystifying algebraic notation through its unique
visual representati