Identify basic visual and audio patterns in the world around them.
Extend AB and ABC patterns.
Create and talk about their own pattern units.
MATERIALS
Internet access for BrainPOP
Computer and LCD projector/interactive whiteboard
Individual computers for students to use during center time
PREPARATION
Preview the movie and gather manipulatives and other items that students can use to create patterns during center time.
LESSON PROCEDURE
Clap out a simple pattern and invite students to join in. Experiment with other basic patterns using clapping, foot stomping, and other movements. Invite children to describe and explain the patterns you created. Introduce the term pattern, which means "something that repeats over and over again."
Provide some experience with visual patterns by showing the Activity to students. "Read" the pattern out loud together (i.e. "triangle, triangle, square") and help students decide what comes next.
Display the Picture Maker Game and invite students to extend patterns you begin, and create their own unique patterns.
During center time, allow children to explore patterns in small groups using manipulatives. They may want to make patterns with cars and trucks, different colored bears, etc. Other students may want to create patterns using art supplies and the Draw About It tool, Picture Maker Game, and the Easy Quiz and Hard Quiz.
After center time, bring students back to the whole group instructional area. Have volunteers share patterns they created in various centers. Encourage students to look for more patterns throughout the day. You may want to line them up in a boy-girl pattern on the way to lunch and have them identify patterns in the school that they see on their walk.
VOCABULARY
pattern; repeat; movement; predict; pattern unit
ACTIVITIES
Explore some of the books in the Read About It section. Have students identify and extend patterns they see in books. They may even want to create their own book of patterns!
