The Distributive Property: A Visual Approach
In this one-time pre-algebra/algebra class, we will work with the distributive property and use an area model to multiply both numbers and algebraic expressions.
Arden Ashley-Wurtmann, MSEd
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(394)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this class we will explore the distributive property using a rectangle/area model. This model is often particularly useful for visual and kinesthetic learners and those who need multiple ways of approaching a problem. Learners will first be introduced to the model using numerical expressions and then we will extend the model to algebraic expressions. We will then apply the distributive property to some factoring problems.
Learning Goals
Learners will be able to use the distributive property to re-write and solve problems.
Other Details
Supply List
Graph paper and a pencil.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
394reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching since 2006 and my specialties are Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry. Although I have been focusing on math education for the majority of my time as a teacher, I started my career in the sciences. I have a biology degree from Macalester College and as an undergraduate I did invertebrate zoology research at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
I started my teaching career as a middle school (grades 5-8) science teacher. While I was in New York earning my master’s degree in Middle School General Education from the progressive school of education, Bank Street CoIlege, I took a course in inquiry-based pedagogical methods for teaching math. Suddenly, seeing math from this new perspective, I fell in love with mathematics and truly learned to appreciate it myself.
Over the years, I have taught in several schools using methods that move from concrete to abstract. I have sought out positions at schools that encourage and reinforce this kind of pedagogy -- including two adolescent Montessori programs and one school specializing in inquiry education. I have enjoyed using hands-on curriculum with my learners and I am excited to adapt my favorite lessons to the Outschool platform.
Some special pedagogical interests of mine:
Numerical Fluency
Math Manipulatives: Algebra Tiles, Montessori materials, etc
Geometric Construction
Mathematical Exploration, Investigation, and Inquiry
Spatial Reasoning
Logic Puzzles
I only teach subjects that I truly love. That is what I love about teaching on Outschool -- I can truly bring this platform the best of what I have to offer.
It sometimes interests my students to know that I didn't like math as a kid -- I actually got in trouble in 3rd grade for writing "I hate math" all over my math notebook. This is usually a huge surprise to my students, who know me as a total math nerd. I have a Ms. Frizzle style of fashion -- I have math and science prints and designs on my shoes, my dresses, my sweaters, and jewelry. I love solving a problem and helping my students develop that same curiosity and mindset.
A note about scheduling:
I move things around a lot. If you see a class you want to take, register for it as soon as it makes sense for your family to do so. Classes that have nobody in them are always subject to shifts and cancellations. Once at least one person is in a class, I don’t move or cancel it (except in case of illness, emergency, etc of course). ☺️Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 28 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-8 learners per class
