First, students share their thoughts and ideas about connecting cubes during the Notice and Wonder routine. Then they try their ideas during free exploration in a center. During this work, students  likely will build objects. As you monitor, consider asking:

• “How many red connecting cubes do you have in your object? How could you find out?” 
• “What color are those connecting cubes? How did you decide which color to use?” 
• “How many connecting cubes are on the bottom of your object?” 

These questions help teachers learn more about each student.

Math Community

In the Lesson Synthesis, students discuss what it means to be a part of a mathematical community. Prepare a Math Community poster by drawing a two-column chart as shown. Note that there are sections for students and the teacher to emphasize ​ that both parties are responsible for the way math is done in the classroom. In this lesson, students add their ideas to the “Doing Math”​ column. In upcoming lessons, students will add to and revise these ideas, including drafting classroom goals and expectations for the “Norms” column. Keep the poster displayed in the classroom.

What part of the lesson went really well today in terms of students’ learning? What did you do that made that part go well?