What happened before the lesson?

Where did the idea come from? 

• “Block-Stacking Game” pages 70–72 in Showcasing Mathematics for the Young Child

What had the children learned BEFORE this lesson? 
Since this activity was at the beginning of the year, children had just been introduced to the block center and the procedures that were to be followed. This videoclip illustrates the first time I was part of the center. Up to this time, children had only explored with the blocks.

What did you plan to do AFTER this lesson?
Continue to let children explore with the blocks and observe them in the center. After a few months, I would introduce children to the game using a die with only three number choices 1, 2, and 3. 

What's happening during the lesson?

Objective: Children will explore three-dimensional shapes and investigate their stacking attribute. In addition, they will begin to verbalize and explain what they have learned in their own words.

Introduction:
I asked the children if I could join their activity in the block center. I gave each of them a colored piece of tagboard and said I was interested in seeing how tall they could build a tower. 

Procedure:

1. Observe children as they build towers. Comment and encourage children as they build emphasizing and modeling the attribute of height. 
2. Ask children to tell you how to build a tall tower using only “their words.” 
3. Build the tower as directed by the children. Exhibit confusion frequently and ask for clarification. 
   

What will I do after the lesson?

How did your plans change as you taught this lesson?
I have taught the “Block Stacking Game” many times (see the Lesson Context) asking children to build a tall tower with a specific number of blocks. However, when I tried that for this lesson, we simply were not ready for it. So, I dropped the number concepts and just focused on building with 3-dimensional shapes. As I remember now, I normally introduced the “Block Stacking Game" mid-way in the year. Since this was at the beginning of the year, they needed this experience and support before they were ready for the game. 

What would you do differently if you taught it again?
I would use their vocabulary even more and emphasize geometry terms as I talked to them.

How would you describe the teaching that occurred using the words on the Continuum of Teaching Behaviors? 
Initially, I FACILITATED their block building by offering short-term assistance to help them build tall towers. Then, I asked students to “use their words” and CO-CONSTRUCT a tower with me collaboratively.