Enriching Arithmetic Learning by Promoting Relational Thinking

Resumen

Following the Early Algebra proposal of integrating algebraic thinking in elementary mathematics, we focus our attention on the development of relational thinking within arithmetic contexts. This thinking encourages exploring relations between numbers and between operations promoting a meaningful learning of Arithmetic and the development of a good foundation for the formal study of Algebra. In this document we present data from a study of third grade students who developed relational thinking in the context of discussions about number sentences.