August 27, 2012

PATTERNS - A FUN TWIST ON AN OLD FAVE

Okay, so we're a week in and it was time to get to gettin' on some of those math standards.  So, patterns were introduced today.  I was delighted to see that many had a solid foundation of this concept from Kinder and that they hadn't lost much over the summer!  However, upon introducing that tricky new concept called the Pattern Unit, the kiddos needed additional hands on practice to help them find that part that repeats and repeats and repeats :)

I know you all use Fruit Loops as a patterning tool . . . it's a no-brainer . . . and the kiddos have seen this before.  However, to create a little extra "hook" today, the kids got to write on their desks!  Yup . . . forget the white boards, lock the doors, and don't tell the principal . . . write directly on those desks!   (Okay so our previous wicked-smart principal taught me this trick, but I always tell the kids that I would get in DEEP trouble if anyone found out that we were making a mess on the tables.)  I have been doing it this way for years and it's a win-win every time.  Not only do the kids dig every second of it, but I also can quickly assess if my crew understands how to label a pattern and identify the pattern unit.


This week we will continue hittin' the pattern concept during our afternoon math block.  In addition to working with other manipulatives at our desks (i.e. bears, pattern blocks, etc.), we also will be following up the fun with a little ice cream-themed activity.  My kids will complete the page below and create their own ice cream cone pattern craft.  All you need for this ditty is die-cut circles in various colors, die-cut triangles, glue sticks, and kiddos who understand patterns.  I am leaving you hanging on this one tonight.  Check back tomorrow or Wednesday for pictures and step by step directions!  
CLICK HERE to download this worksheet!
Thank you Goodness & Fun and Wisteria Design Studio!
Alright my friends.  I gotta get my bum to bed.  Five in the morning comes so quickly these days :)  Thanks so much for visiting me and be sure to check back for the art craftivity steps.  

11 comments:

  1. Fran KramerAugust 27, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    So the world thinks that patterning went away when looking at the Common Core but it is hiding in real life application with numbers. You might add that challenge into the mix. Maybe not. It might make you want to scream!!! (LOL)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelley DollingAugust 28, 2012 at 6:09 AM

      Brilliant idea, Fran. I am so going to slip this in this week!! The elimination of patterning and money (in first grade) kills me. They are still so important in my book :) Thanks for poppin' in my friend!

      Delete
  2. Alison HislopAugust 28, 2012 at 3:38 AM

    How much fun is it to draw on desk!!! I'm sure there was so much oooooohhhhhs and aaaaaahhhhs! Thats what they would have gone home and talked about!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelley DollingAugust 28, 2012 at 6:10 AM

      The parents probably think I am crazy :) The kids do love it and we have nice light colored tops (perfect for messing up)!!!

      Delete
  3. Sheree PetersonAugust 28, 2012 at 5:36 AM

    My kiddos LOVE writing on their desks with the white board markers. It's our big secret that it erases. We do it for place value. I tell them the custodian and principal don't know our secret.
    Petersons-Pad

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelley DollingAugust 28, 2012 at 6:10 AM

      Hahahahahaha . . . I love it. The "secret" idea cracks me up! Thanks for visiting Sheree!!

      Delete
  4. UnknownAugust 28, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    Sounds like a lot of fun is going on in your class with patterns! Love the writing on the desks :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. VanessaAugust 28, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    There were a lot of oooooohs and ahhhhhhs coming from me! You got me hooked! I wonder if that will work on our desks? Hmmm...
    Thank you so much for sharing! I am totally going to use your ice cream scoops with my kindergarteners. Thanks again!
    I'd love for you to join my first linky party on Friday called Friday Photo Dump. It's for all the wonderful pictures that didn't make it into your blog post but you still want to show off!
    Hope to see you there!
    Vanessa
    Kindergarten Schmindergarten

    ReplyDelete
  6. Journey of a Substitute Teacher (Ms. T)August 28, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    I let the kids I subbed for today write on their desks! But they said their teacher let them do that too yesterday and here I thought I was being cool!

    Journey of a Substitute Teacher
    and
    Endless Pinabilities!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownAugust 28, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    I can't believe I never thought of using dry erase markers on their desks. Wow! that's a big DUH! I will difinately have to do this. Gosh, my mind is racing with all the ways I could do this with. Thanks for sharing.

    -Jeremy
    Mr. Michelbook's Classroom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownAugust 28, 2012 at 7:38 PM

      Opps. That word is supposed to be "definitely." My fingers went faster than my brain and I meant to go back and correct it. Told you my mind was racing with ideas!!! LOL

      Delete