Vertical and horizontal equations

Students are starting to explore horizontal and vertical equations.  This exploration has created several in depth discussions about the symbols (+/-) and what our understanding of these symbols might be.  Several students has misconceptions that that when you change from a horizontal equation to a vertical equation that the symbol does not need to be consistent.  We used pictures, manipulatives  and conversation to help clean up the misconception and make the connections that vertical or horizontal, these equations represent problem.  We practiced reading equations both horizontally and vertically and we will continue to work on this concept as the year continues.