Lesson 2
Explore Pattern Blocks
Lesson Purpose
Lesson Narrative
Students use pattern blocks in math activities throughout the year. Students share their thoughts and ideas about pattern blocks during the Notice and Wonder routine and then try their ideas during free exploration. As students explore pattern blocks, they likely will build or create designs. As you monitor, consider asking questions such as “How many red pattern blocks do you have in your object? How could you find out? What color are those pattern blocks? How did you decide which pattern blocks to use? How many pattern blocks are on the bottom of your object?” These questions help teachers learn more about each student.
The first few lessons in this section are intentionally shorter to allow students to learn the structure and routines of math lessons and to give teachers an opportunity to learn what students know about concepts of number. If there is extra time, students may spend more time in exploring pattern blocks in the first activity.
Math Community
Tell students they will have an opportunity to revise their math community ideas at the end of this lesson, so as they work today they should think about actions that may be missing from the current list.
- Action and Expression
- MLR8
Warm-up: Notice and Wonder: Pattern Blocks
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Explore and use pattern blocks.
- Share mathematical ideas with a partner.
Student Facing
- Let’s explore pattern blocks.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Required Preparation
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 15 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 0 min |