Introduction

Appendix 4-2: Sample Guided Mathematics Lesson,Grade 5 – Exploring Perimeter WithCuisenaire Rods*Strand: Measurement Grade: 5Key Concepts/Big Ideas: Attributes, Units, and Measurement Sense (Perimeter);Measurement RelationshipsCurriculum ExpectationsStudents will:• estimate and measure the perimeter and area of regular and irregular polygons, using a variety of tools andstrategies;• create, through investigation using a variety of tools and strategies, two-dimensional shapes with the sameperimeter or the same area.Note: This lesson involves using Cuisenaire rods (coloured relational rods) and grid paper as tools for exploringperimeter. It is important that students have opportunities to use other tools (e.g., manipulatives, softwareprograms) in order to address the curriculum expectation.Materials• chart paper and markers• Cuisenaire rods (coloured relational rods)• centimetre grid paper transparency• overhead projector• centimetre grid paper for all students• 1 red rod, 2 light green rods, and 1 purple rod per pair of studentsGetting StartedInstructional Grouping: Whole classAsk students to share with a person sitting near them a description of what perimeter means to them. Ask forvolunteers to share their description of perimeter with the larger group. Record the students’ informaldescriptions of perimeter on chart paper.On the overhead projector, display a centimetre grid transparency, one red rod, two light green rods, andone purple rod. Explain that the rods can be used to create a shape, but that the following rules apply:• You must be able to trace around the shape on the grid lines.• You must be able to cut out the shape and keep it in one piece.* Burns, Marilyn. About Teaching Mathematics, 2nd edition, p. 58. Copyright©2000 by Math Solutions Publications. Adapted andreprinted with permission. All rights reserved.Instructional Approaches 75