Lesson Plans

Math Lesson Plan

· written by: Sabrina Meyer

· graphics, editing, & formatting by: Dr. Beth McCulloch Vinson

Subject: Problem Solving with Patterns

Grade: Kindergarten

I. Behavioral Objective:

After a teacher-directed math lesson, the students of Mrs. Meyer's kindergarten class will complete two-color and three-color patterns using colored pattern blocks. Each student will use this foundation in order to complete the attached color pattern worksheet. Each student will complete the pattern with an accuracy rate of at least 95%.

II. Instruction/Method:

A. Anticipatory Set:

1. Explain that today they will learn how to complete patterns with three colors.

2. Explain that completing color patterns will assist their critical thinking skills that will be needed for solving problems.

3. Use color tiles to refresh the students on completing two-color patterns.

B. Statement of Objective:

"When we finish today you will be able to complete two-color and three-color patterns."

C. Instructional Input:

1. Use the color tiles to review two-color patterns.

2. Teach the students how to use voice inflection or tones in a pattern.

D. Modeling:

1. Show the correspondence between the color pattern and the tones as you call the names of the colors.

2. Using an overhead projector, show the sequencing of a three-color pattern.

E. Checking for Understanding:

1. After sharing the three-color pattern ask the students to figure out what the next three colors will be. Make sure you ask for one color at a time.

2. Quiz the children on their responses and the reason for those responses.

F. Guided Practice:

1. Place students into groups of three.

2. Give each child in the group a different color of the tiles and assign each child a number 1,2, or 3.

3. Instruct the children to each lay down one of their color tiles. First is the child with number 1, next the child with number 2 will place a tile next to number 1's color, and finally the child with number 3 will place a tile next to number 2's color. Repeat the process, always adding on to the end.

4. Make sure each child has crayons and the attached pattern problem.

5. Instruct the children to complete the two-color inner pattern along with the teacher, who will be using the overhead projector.

G. Independent Practice:

1. Ask the children to finish the pattern by completing the outer, three-color, pattern.

2. Oversee this activity in case someone needs help.

1. Strategies to use with Exceptional Children:

a. For enrichment, increase the color patterns to three-color and higher.

b. For remediation, children will be allowed to work in pairs.

2. Activities which Value Cultural Diversity:

a. Children who speak English as a second language will say the colors for the class in their primary language.

b. Children from other cultures will bring in several small objects from home related to the culture in order to make patterns.

3. Activities which Foster Active Inquiry, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving:

a. Ask the children to bring different shaped objects from home that the class can use to construct other patterns.

b. Ask the children to look for patterns in clothing or any other materials. Be prepared to discuss what types of patterns were found.

H. Closure and Summary:

1. Bring the class to a close by having the children discuss how the pattern problem ended. Did the colors match up?

2. Ask the children to look at home for objects that have patterns on them so they discuss their findings the next day.

III. Assessment Techniques:

The students in Mrs. Meyer's kindergarten class will complete the color patterns at an accuracy rate of at least 95%.

IV. Materials:

six sets of color tiles, overhead projector, set of color tiles for the overhead projector, crayons,

and pattern problem sheet.