Lesson Overview:

Early elementary students will learn about the concept of patterns and sequence. Students will create an original pattern for a necklace and make the necklace using paper and colored beads.

Length of Lesson:

One 45-minute class period

Notes:

This lesson is particularly suitable for grades 1-2.

Instructional Objectives:

Students will:

• identify ways to make patterns using different resources.
• make paper beads out of wrapping paper or magazine pages.
• create a pattern using 12 colored beads and 12 paper beads.
• record their pattern in writing and by drawing a picture.

Supplies:

• Several different styles of necklaces
• Wrapping paper
• Magazines
• Glue or glue stick
• Plastic straw
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Twelve colored, plastic pony beads per student
• One 18-inch piece of string or yarn per student

Instructional Plan:

Warm Up

Show the students several different kinds of necklaces. Ask them to discuss what makes each one unique. What types of material can be used to make a necklace? Are any patterns apparent in the way that they are put together? Have the students describe the patterns, and write them on the board.

Introductory Activity

Tell students that patterns are everywhere. Create a clap pattern for 12 counts and have students replicate it. After they have it mastered, change the pattern two more times for 12 counts each. Ask the students to state what the pattern was for each sequence. Record the pattern on the board.

Look around the class for other things to put into patterns. For instance, line up two girls, a boy, two girls, a boy, a girl, etc., and ask the class to finish the next two pieces of the pattern. Also, have students look for patterns that already exist; for example, ceiling or floor tile patterns.

Ask students to create a pattern on a piece of paper using four letters. The pattern should be 12 units long. Example: ABBACDDCABBA or ABCDABCDABCD. How many different patterns can be made? Record the patterns on the board. Students should also record each others' variations on their own paper.

Guided Activity

Give students the following prompt:

You must create a necklace as a present for a friend. Your friend already has 12 colored beads, and he/she wants you to make 12 more beads out of paper. Your friend is looking for an interesting pattern, and wants you to write a letter to him/her that contains a detailed description explaining the pattern you would like to create for the necklace.

If strips have not been precut, demonstrate how to use the ruler vertically on the paper and draw a one-inch wide line from the top to the bottom. This is usually the width of the ruler and is relatively easy to do. Repeat this process until 12 strips have been made.

Note: For a variation, cut long, acute triangle strips instead of rectangular strips. If the students are capable of doing this, the beads will have a more multicolored look.

Place the strip on the workspace, with the side containing the most color face down. Spread a thin layer of glue over the strip. Place the straw on one side of the strip. Fold the end of the strip over the straw or needle and press down until the paper adheres.

Place both hands on either side of the straw and roll the strip onto the straw gently and tightly. Try to keep the roll as even as possible. Pull the bead off the straw or needle gently. Make sure the final end piece is glued down. Let the beads dry.

NOTE: As an alternative to the process described above, roll several paper strips onto the straw. Leave space in between each strip and let them dry on the straw. Then cut the exposed straw. Following this procedure makes the lacing process easier because the hole in the center of the bead is smooth.

Independent Activity

Give students 12 colored beads and an 18" piece of string or yarn. Put a bit of glue on the end of the yarn or string to assist in the lacing of the beads. Let the glue dry.

While waiting for the glue to dry, have each student plan out a pattern for his or her necklace using 12 paper beads and 12 colored beads. They should record their plans on paper.

Once the glue is dry enough, students should follow their plans and string a necklace of 24 beads, using a pattern. They should tie off the ends of the necklace when it is done.

Reread the prompt to the students. Have each student write a detailed description explaining the pattern that he or she made. Remind the students that their description should be in the form of a letter.

You may wish to have students use the Pattern Generator, a fun interactive exploration of patterns. (Note: Students may need your assistance with this interactive, as it is an online activity.)

Closure

Allow students to wear their completed necklaces. Photograph them with the finished product. Collect the letters and check for descriptions of the pattern photographed. Display the photos and letters on a bulletin board.

Assessment:

Use the Assessment Rubric to evaluate students' progress and learning.

Extensions:

Conduct more pattern work by using the online activity located on the Illuminations Web site is called Creating, Describing, and Analyzing Patterns to Recognize Relationships and Make Predictions: Making Patterns

Sources:

Print:

• Andersen, Hans Christian. The Nightingale. Odense, Denmark, 1844.
• The Muppet Workshop and St. Pierre, Stephanie. The Muppets Big Book of Crafts. New York: Workman Publishing, 1999.
• Temko, Florence. Paper Gifts and Jewelry. Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press, 1995.
• Terzian, Alexandra M. The Kids Multicultural Art Book. Charlotte, VT: Williamson Publishing, 1993.

Authors:

• Mary Beth Bauernschub, Teacher
  Kingsford Elementary School
  Mitchellville, MD