Looking at some common but simple chemical reactions is a good way to encourage students to think about what might be going on at a molecular level.

Choosing reactions where clear observations can be made will aid understanding, such as the reaction between lead nitrate and potassium iodide.

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Other useful reactions that you might consider here are the displacement of metals.

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These reactions should provide opportunities to encourage students to consider these questions:

What atoms are in the reactants? How are the atoms arranged?

What products are formed? How are the atoms arranged?

How can I represent the change I have observed?

What does a chemical formula tell me?

What other information might I look for?