Recently I posted a quick reel using algebra tiles to complete the square… And it got so many views and comments. Some people had questions. Some had ah-ha moments. Some said how they’ve used algebra tiles. That’s the thing about algebra tiles… they get attention. But it’s more than that… they ignite curiosity… they make the algebra make sense. I know a classroom isn’t like Instagram, but I do think the engagement with that reel is similar to the engagement students have with algebra tiles (and

🟩 Completing the square: 😱 It’s a process that can either feel overwhelming and confusing… 🧠 Or it’s an opportunity for ah-ha moments in Algebra 1! When I first taught my students how to complete the square, I showed all the steps (several times). Students wrote down the steps and tried to follow. It was confusing, and many students forgot how a few weeks later. That was before I knew the power of algebra tiles! Algebra tiles allow students to visualize what is happening. I wish I had used ma