We Do Math

This is the BEST way to first learn to solve equations with variables on both sides. Students will use money (real or pretend coins) to find the value of a piece of candy. Students are engaged because: 1. There's candy. 2. They are solving problems hands-on without writing anything down. Students will finally represent the manipulative problems they did with actual equations. From that point on, they will be able to make a connection between an equation, and the real-life scenario of buying can