I’ve seen elementary school teachers use paint samples in interactive notebooks, and I knew I could think of a place to use them for older kids. I’ve seen something like this before, but I couldn’t find where to link it :)
I used a four color paint sample to illustrate solving two-step equations. Here is the completed page:
I used the first color to write the equation. The next color shows the add/subtract step. The third color shows the multiply/divide step. The last color shows substituting in the solution to check the answer. I think it is very important to have students check their answers, to make sure they are correct. Off to the side, the steps are explained. Students could write whatever they needed to in order to remember what to do next.
At the bottom of the page, I have two practice problems. Since the steps are listed above, it is a good place for students to do their first independent practice.
If you’re teaching two-step equations, I hope this helps give you ideas!
