🔤 Why algebra matters
Algebra is the language of secondary maths — and children who meet it gently at primary age walk into Year 7 confident instead of scared. It also sharpens the inverse-operations thinking behind all arithmetic.
🏫 What children learn in Year 6
Simple formulae, expressing missing-number problems algebraically, sequences, and finding pairs of unknowns. Our A7 and A9 lessons stretch into 11+ territory with two-step equations and the nth term.
🎯 Built for 11+ preparation
Every lesson flags the classic traps — 3n read as 34, undoing in the wrong order, 2a + 3b 'equals' 5ab — in a ‘Watch Out!’ section.
The learning path
Work through the lessons in order — each one builds on the last.
Printable cheat sheets
One-page summaries of every method — print them and keep them by your child's desk.
Frequently asked questions
What order should my child learn algebra in?
Follow the numbered path: the mystery-box idea and function machines first, then expressions and substitution, then equations, sequences and formulae, finishing with word problems.
What ages are these algebra lessons for?
Ages 9–11 (Year 6 in England), with clearly-marked stretch lessons for 11+ preparation. Confident younger children can start with function machines.
Are these lessons free?
Yes — all 12 lessons and printable cheat sheets are completely free. The MindBlaze app adds daily practice and rewards.
Is algebra really on the primary curriculum?
Yes — Year 6 in England includes simple formulae, sequences and missing-number problems expressed algebraically. Two-step equations and the nth term go slightly beyond, and are marked as stretch.
What's the most common algebra mistake?
Reading 3n with n = 4 as 34 instead of 12 — treating letters as digits rather than numbers. Lesson A4 tackles it head-on.
Continue your child's learning journey
with the MindBlaze app.
Fun daily learning missions for children. Clear progress insights for parents — helping every child start secondary school ready to learn.
