What we like about this lesson

Mathematically:

• Addresses standards 1.NBT.A.1and 1.NBT.B.2
• Connects numerical representation with combination and composition of base-ten units
• Encourages students to organize quantities into groups of ten and ones to represent two-digit numbers
• Provides opportunities for students to practice choosing an efficient strategy for representing a two-digit number as an amount of tens and ones
• Asks students to generalize place value understandings to prepare for future work with two-digit numbers
• Encourages students to use appropriate tools strategically (MP.5) (see additional thoughts below)

In the classroom:

• Uses concrete and pictorial models to make the mathematics explicit
• Prompts students to share their developing thinking and understanding
• Allows for whole class, partner, and individual work in one lesson
• Provides opportunities and suggestions for meaningful differentiation
• Gives formal and informal opportunities for teachers to check for understanding