Using Algebraic Expressions to Describe Patterns

Here is an activity that I adapted from my textbook. 

It is an attempt to "meyerize" the lesson - ask leading questions to allow students to discover the mathematics rather than giving an example and explaining the steps to solve.

I first put the slide up on the board and had the students discuss the questions with their "math neighbor" while I took attendance.  I then asked students to share what they had discovered.

I was attempting to work on my common core practices and had the students repeat what they had heard and try to say it another way.

After I felt that the students understood the questions on the slide I handed out the student page and gave them time to work with their partners.

I must say it was a learning experience for both me and my students.  They were taken out of their comfort zone not being told how to solve the problem.  It was a challenge for me to ask questions and listen rather than tell them how to answer the questions.

I have my poster with the 8 practices on the front board, refered to it often and told them that everyone in the state is working on incorporating those 8 practices into the way they learn mathematics.

I had planned about 10 minutes for the activity and it took at least 20 minutes for my Algebra 1 class.

When I did the same lesson with my 2nd class it seemed to be easier for the students.  I am not sure if I did a better job of asking questions or they were just better at what I was asking them to do.