Here are a few warm-ups/mini-lessons I do during my patterns unit...
After I have introduced patterns, and we have discussed what makes a "pattern" a pattern...we work on creating an anchor chart describing patterns. Hopefully, the kids will determine things like Patterns repeat themselves; It's easy to tell what comes next in a pattern, etc. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss and debunk any misconceptions the kids may have about patterns.
We talk about different places in the room, school and world that we find patterns. We go on a pattern hunt and see what we can find. They might be visual, like the stripes on a shirt or the tiles on the floor. They might be auditory, like the ticking of a clock or sound of a fan oscillating. They might even be events, like day/night or our specials rotation (music, art, PE).
Warm-ups are an excellent time to do some "traditional" pattern activities...
This is always a fun activity...we "translate" visual patterns into sound patterns by assigning each symbol or color a different sound action. For example, the first pattern might be clap...snap...clap...snap...or pat...stomp...pat...stomp...
Have Fun!
I just love pattern games! Great ideas!!
Posted by: Deborah | 09/19/2010 at 10:12 PM
Thanks for the great ideas!
Posted by: Susan | 09/20/2010 at 06:50 AM
Thanks for the ideas!
Posted by: Rachee | 09/22/2010 at 01:57 PM
Thanks for all the great ideas!! Who won the classroom photo contest Lakeshore gift card yesterday?
Posted by: Jacy | 09/25/2010 at 06:35 PM
Miss your updates. Hope you come back soon!
Posted by: Staci | 01/17/2011 at 02:03 PM
I just found your blog and really enjoy it. Are you still updating? I hope you do. You have great ideas!
Posted by: mama808teach | 01/23/2011 at 03:54 AM
The first line in the What's Missing pattern sheet, the green and orange balls -- look at the first blank (again, first line).
What's missing?
A: Nothing. To insert either a green or orange circle would be to disrupt the pattern. A true Kobayashi Maru if I ever saw one, haha.
http://crisscrossapplesauce.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55111563088340133f4618e6b970b-320wi
PS Overall, nice stuff. Thanks.
Posted by: Bob | 02/19/2011 at 11:03 PM
I just found your blog and I LOVE IT!! I hope that you will be back. This is my first year teaching and you've so inspired me just in the last hour - I can't wait to try some new things in my room.
Posted by: Lisa Peterson | 03/22/2011 at 02:14 AM
People enjoy the characters are not happy.^
Posted by: ferrari mobile | 04/06/2011 at 03:00 AM