The same squares, another arrangement
Explore shape studio through models, conversation, and hands-on discovery. Preserve a small quantity while changing its arrangement. Explore a model, explain the relationship, and try it with physical materials.
What children will practice.
Explore how to preserve a small quantity while changing its arrangement.
Ideas to explore.
Connect a model with a physical or paper representation. Invite learners to show what they notice and explain a relationship; an adult can read the directions and record their words.
An investigation to explore
On the 4-by-4 Build shapes grid, make a rectangle 2 squares across and 2 down, starting at the top-left cell. Clear. Arrange the same 4 squares in a connected design occupying a different set of cells. A turn is allowed. Sketch both and say whether you changed the shape or only its orientation.
An adult can read the prompt. Learners may arrange, draw, point, or explain. Full teaching directions and answer keys are in the free adult classroom.
From a model to a little discovery.
The complete lesson includes a teaching sequence, worked example, guided and independent investigations, a transfer task, student work mats, and a separate answer key. Choose US Letter or A4 PDFs.
Use Glow Math & Logic as an practice companion. The printable lesson also works away from a screen. Full teaching materials are included with a paid adult account.
Choose by readiness and prior teaching. Lesson drafts include proposed grade placement; starter guides are flexible workshop introductions.
Complete lesson drafts with proposed grade placement. Educators can share detailed feedback from the teaching guide.