During small group lessons, what is important for Mrs. Green to link to concrete representations of blocks?

Linking to pictorial models is essential during small group lessons when using concrete representations like blocks. This approach helps students make connections between physical objects and visual representations.

By transitioning from the concrete blocks to pictorial models, students can visualize the problem more abstractly without losing the foundational understanding they developed through hands-on experience. Pictorial models serve as a bridge between the concrete and abstract levels of understanding, allowing students to manipulate and visualize concepts as they progress in their mathematical thinking.

For instance, if students are using blocks to understand addition, illustrating the same concept through drawings reinforces their comprehension. It enables them to see relationships and patterns that might not be immediately apparent with blocks alone. This practice is particularly beneficial for helping students prepare for more abstract mathematical ideas later on.