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Cover of Equal Shmequal

Grade 2 Math Book · Equality & Algebra

Equal Shmequal

by Virginia Kroll

Equality & Algebra More grade 2 books

Mouse and her animal friends want to play tug-of-war, but the teams keep coming out uneven. Using a seesaw, they figure out what "equal" really means.

Why it's useful

A great introduction to the equal sign and balance.

  • Equal means same value. Not just same number of animals, but same weight.
  • Balancing. The seesaw shows two sides being equal, like an equation.
  • Fair teams. Kids reason about combining different amounts.

Try it in class or at home

  1. Balance it. Use a pan balance and cubes to make both sides equal.
  2. True or false. Is 3 + 4 = 5 + 2? Is 8 = 4 + 3? Discuss.
  3. Make fair teams. Give each animal a weight and split them into equal teams.

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