LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Patterns Galore!

Students will create patterns using Kidspiration software.

A lesson plan for grade 1 Mathematics

By Michele Tipton

Learn more

Related pages

  • In math, "elegant" means "cool"!: An elegant solution to a math problem is one that requires less time and work. Encouraging students to find such solutions will help them build number sense or numeracy.
  • Math Fun: We have compiled some of our favorite mathematics instructional resources to help students develop a sense of numbers and how they are used by us everyday. Students will have fun practicing their skills and trying new problem-solving ideas.
  • Beginning lesson on Coordinate Grids-First Quadrant: Students will investigate the first quadrant of the Cartesian coordinate system. They will use online activities developed by Shodor.org to identify the coordinates of points, or plot specific points. Then students will progress to an activity where they direct a robot through a mine field laid out on the coordinate plane. Permission has been granted for the use of the materials as part of the workshop - "Interactivate Your Bored Math Students" by Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.

Related topics

Help

Please read our disclaimer for lesson plans.

Legal

This page copyright ©2008. Terms of use

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to continue and create patterns using Kidspiration software.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1 hour

Materials/resources

Manipulatives for making patterns (blocks, cubes, colored counting bears, etc.)

Technology resources

Kidspiration software
Computer lab-computer for each child
Computer TV display station

Pre-activities

Lots of hands on practice using manipulatives in class and centers.

How to make a AB, AAB, AABB pattern.

Activities

  1. Go to the computer lab and have each student log on.
  2. Have students open up the Kidspiration program. A menu will open and students will click on the “more” icon.
  3. Another menu of ready-made templates will appear. Have the students scroll down until they come to the picture named “patterns.”
  4. Students click on that picture and a screen will come up with 4 rows of picture patterns. The last row is blank for them to create their own pattern.
  5. Demonstrate on your computer TV display how to read the pattern first and then decide what picture you need to click and drag to the end to complete the pattern.
  6. Have students complete the next rows independently and tell them the last row is for them to come up with their own pattern.
  7. After the students complete the activity, have them raise their hand for you to check their work and read their made-up pattern to me.
  8. Lastly, students print.

Assessment

I carry a clipboard with a checklist. Each students’ name is listed. When I evaluate their work, I put a check if they could do the activity accurately. I make sure they can create their own pattern and I record what type of pattern it is…AB, ABBA, AABB, etc. If they had trouble, I will make a note or write ‘N’ for needs more practice.

Supplemental information

Teacher will need to know how to navigate through Kidspiration software.

Related websites

http://www.kidspiration.com
http://www.myschoolonline.com
http://www.abcteach.com
http://www.lessonplanspage.com
http://www.education-world.com

Comments

The students really enjoyed this lesson. The software was the inspiration.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

Grade 1

  • Goal 1: The learner will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 1.04: Discuss ownership of computer-created work. Strand - Societal/Ethical Issues
    • Objective 1.05: Identify graphing as a tool for organizing information. Strand - Spreadsheet
  • Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 2.02: Observe, discuss, and use software to enter, calculate, display data, and interpret results as a class/group. Strand - Spreadsheet
    • Objective 2.05: Locate and use letters, numbers, and special keys (e.g., arrow keys, space bar, insert Enter/Return, Backspace, Delete) on the keyboard. Strand - Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desk Top Publishing

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 1

  • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of classification and patterning.
    • Objective 5.03: Create and extend patterns, identify the pattern unit, and translate into other forms.