A teaching apparatus for Mathematics, specifically algebraic concepts for very young children, enables 3rd and 4th grade level students to solve simple linear algebraic equations. The apparatus includes easily manipulated elements which serve as cognitive reinforcement during the learning process. These physical elements are used in conjunction with a set of rules or "legal moves". The apparatus and corresponding legal moves determine a physical model and physical process to represent both an algebraic linear equation and its algebraic solution. A simple physical element, such as a pawn, is used to denote the unknown quantity. Numbered cubes are used to represent numerical values. These elements are color coded to represent both positive and negative values of the quantities represented. By the use of this apparatus and associated legal moves, students learn to simplify a given linear algebraic equation to the point where the solution or value of the unknown quantity is intuitively obvious.
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