This Japanese teachers gives an example of how to use previous learning as a building block at the start of a lesson. The teacher asks students to solve a second time two problems they completed in the last lesson. The teacher includes a visual representation too, showing how the algebraic equation links to a geometrical representation. Underpinning this start of a lesson are clear and well-practised routines.

This is an urban, public school. Watch out for how the teacher:
- Begins by linking back to two previous questions

- Uses two visual aids to support students

- Asks students to solve the problem in their preferred way

How do you use connections in your own classroom?