Fun with Patterns
Teacher: Ms. Bridges
Subject(s): Math
Grade(s): 1st
Suggested Group Size: Whole Group; small group activity
Focus: There will be a piece of fabric on the student’s desk when they come in
the room. The teacher will ask the students to look at it and see if they notice
anything similar on their squares by putting them together. This will start our
discussion on patterns.
Introduce Definition: Ask students if they can tell me the definition of pattern.
Pattern: A repeating cycle (something that happens over and over again)
Explain to students that patterns can be found all around us. If we look at our
clothes we will see patterns, if we think about what we do every day we will see a
pattern. Today we are going to focus on making our own patterns with shapes
and colors.
Objectives: Students will be able to recognize and extend patterns using colors
and shapes.
Materials Needed:
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Pre-cut shapes
Glue
Blank paper
Pencils
Foam blocks
Fabric Squares
Lesson: The teacher will pick random students to come hold shapes in a pattern
at the front of the room. The teacher will then ask the kids if they notice anything
about the order of the shapes.
Patten to show: Square, triangle, square, triangle, square, triangle, square,
triangle…
After explaining the definition and introducing the students to what patterns are
we will add pattern to our word wall. Next, the teacher will begin a pattern using
the foam squares and ask the kids to finish the pattern. They will create the same
pattern using their own foam blocks at their tables. Then students will come up
and start a pattern and the rest of the students will finish the pattern.
Fun with Patterns
Guided practice: The kids will then get in groups and practice creating patterns
with the foam blocks. The teacher will walk around to make sure students are on
the right track.
Assessment: The Kids will look at a pattern already started and continue the
pattern on their own paper
Extention or next lesson: The students will get a plastic bag of pre-cut
shapes to make their own patterns. The students will then create their own
patterns out of cut out shapes and glue them to a black sheet of paper to turn
into the teacher.
Closure: Ask kids:
What can be used to make a pattern other than shapes and colors?
What happens in your life over and over?
Can numbers be patterns?
When we line up can we create a pattern?