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"Construction" in geometry means to draw shapes, angles or lines accurately.

These constructions use only compass, straightedge (i.e. ruler) and a pencil.

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We continued to explore algebra with alphabetical puzzles. First, I introduced the children to puzzles focusing on the shape of the letters (upper case with straight segments and curved arcs, then lower case with letter size). Second, we looked at sequences using letters representing words. For example, if they would see M T W T F ___  ____, they would notice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and then finish the sequence with S and S representing Saturday and Sunday. We did puzzles with planets and months of the year.

Discovering algebra with the alphabet is one of the most natural activities for children of any age. The most recognizable sequence for any child is the familiar alphabetic sequence: ABCDEFG....Z 

We use the standard valuation of letters: A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5 ......... Z=26. When we take a word like MATH, we add the values M + A + T + H = 13 + 1 + 20 + 8 = 42. We would call this a 42 cent word; not very interesting. 

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