Caterpillar Patterns

We had a great time incorporating math into our caterpillar theme this week with caterpillar patterns.

The original idea came from pinterest (of course!). Except it was for fractions. Fractions are above the pre-k level, so I modified it to work for my kiddos. It was way too cute to pass up! Check out the original idea here, at The First Grade Parade.

My kids are very strong in continuing patterns, but still need practice creating patterns on their own. This activity was perfect for strengthening their patterning skills. The best part about it was it took NO prep, wasn't messy AT ALL, was simple, quick, and FUN! My kiddos love any reason to get out the colorful, fuzzy pom-poms and caterpillars are all the rage in my class at the moment. Look at how cute and colorful our finished work is! 

This activity was a great reminder of how adaptable so many activities can be. So next time you see an awesome idea, make sure to think of ways to adapt it for your kiddos! 

Tiger Stripes - Patterns

In our classroom, we work on patterns everyday during calendar time. This activity was a great way to measure individual progress and have a great artifact for each child's portfolio.

Missouri Early Learning Standards:

- Recognizes patterns

- Duplicates and extends patterns

Supplies:

- pre-cut black and orange strips

- glue stick

- white paper

-pre-made example

Directions:

- Show the child your paper and explain how you followed the pattern black, orange, black, orange, black, orange. Just like a tiger.

- Give the child their supplies to make this activity.

- Because I used this activity to measure the child's ability and to keep for their portfolio, I used minimal teacher guidance. Below are a few of the results from my classroom.

left: child age 3

right: child age 5

Valentine's Day Fun

I'm sure many teachers dread the Valentine's Day craziness, but Valentine's Day has long been my favorite day of the school year. Something about all the red and pink, hearts, friendship, and love. I think it's great that there is a day to stop and be reminded to cherish all the special relationships in my life. Today provided many meaningful conversations about friendship and the joy of sharing. Below are a few of the activities we did today.

The first part of our day was spent in "The Post

Office." Each child was given a turn to play mailman and pass out their Valentine's. This activity teaches friends name's, sorting, letter recognition, and sharing. The display

cases at the front of our class, worked out perfectly for setting out the mailboxes.

Next, the children played Pin the Heart on the Elephant. The kids thought this game was hilarious. I had them sit on the back edge of the carpet in two rows. Then I sent one to sit at the table with my TA to write their name. After they wrote their names, they came over to get a blindfold and get spun. I spun them, and spun them, and spun them. The kids laughed and laughed. Then they tried to pin their heart on the elephant. This game covered literacy, fine motor, large motor, good sportsmanship, turn taking, and following rules.

We also provided the children with a craft. The easiest/fastest way to prepare the materials, is to die-cut hearts and then cut out the extra on each heart. Draw two lines on each "half" of the heart. These are the lines the children will cut. Then, help the children weave the pieces together. This activity covered following directions, fine motor, scissor skills, patterns, and