Parent Letter: Write an equation at Teach Daily

Your child is currently working on the math strategy, Write an equation, which helps with the overall goal, Plan & Analyze.

For students to be successful at the Write an Equation strategy, they must understand math concepts at the most basic, fundamental level. This is done through the use of visual (sometimes called concrete) models.

As students become comfortable with the visual model of a problem, they gradually begin translating it into a written equation. With multiple opportunities for practice, this strategy becomes easier and easier for students to use.

Consider the following problem:

Sarah has 3 brownies that she has cut into fourths. How many fourths does Sarah have in all?

Visual (concrete) model

Student has drawn 3 brownies, sectioning each brownie into ¼-size pieces. There are 12 fourths in all.

Written equation

The same problem could be translated into this equation: 3 x ¼ = 12

How can you help your child with this strategy at home?

As your child works on math, help them highlight the important pieces of the problem. Then, help them take this information and turn it into a written equation. (Note: They may need to “see” it by using a visual model first.)
If your child chooses to use a visual model to solve a problem, help them see how that problem could also be written as an equation. Model how you would take the information and turn it into an equation to solve.

Thank you for your continued support at home!

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