Polyominoes Investigation

Opener: I start the year off with order :)  I want students to get into a routine and good habits, so I actually start with an opener on day 2! See my video clip on Instructional Strategy - Process for openers for information on how those are run in my class! Openers are a great way to incorporate mathematical practice 3, critiquing the reasoning of others, as I encourage students to work as table groups to talk through problems and help one another.

Introduction to Mathematical Practices:  To get into this lesson, I will first have a conversation with the students about the mathematical practices - what they are, what they mean, etc.  I have them posted around my smartboard in "kid-friendly" language.  For example, mp 1 is "I can solve a problem without giving up." I go over each practice and what it really means for the students and how they can expect to see it used in my class.  Kid Friendly Mathematical Practices Posters

Polyomino Investigation:  Polyomino Investigation Explore Video

Table Discussion: To summarize this lesson, I have the students look at the 8 kid-friendly mathematical practices posted around my smart board and determine which of those they think were a part of today's lesson, and why.  I will draw cards and have 2 different tables share out to the whole group. Instructional Strategy - Table Discussion.wmv