Patterns: Unit Overview
Visual, musical, mathematical, geometric – how many ways can you think of to work with your students using the concept of patterns? In my library integration lessons, I like to use language patterns. I’ve taught this unit many times in several different schools, and I’ve never seen a teacher take an approach like the one suggested in my lesson plans. From a simple A:A, B:B, C:C pattern to cumulative, circular, and telescoping patterns, the children will delight in discovering more about the language structure of stories. Build on the unit’s central ideas and lines of inquiry, and use language patterns to enforce the curricular content while adding a literary focus to the unit.
Patterns #1: The Crocodile and the Dentist, by Taro Gomi (Repetitive Pattern)
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children learn to “tune in” to their unit on patterns by learning about language patterns. They will learn to recognize the simplest language pattern of all – identical repetition. Through Mr. Gomi’s ingenious work, children discover the A:A, B:B, C:C pattern and how it can… Read more
Patterns #2: The Rose in My Garden, by Arnold Lobel and Anita Lobal (Cumulative Pattern)
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students explore another language pattern. The Lobels’ breathtaking story uses a cumulative A, AB, ABC, ABCD, ABCDE, etc., pattern to paint the picture of a perfect flower garden, until the cat and mouse show up! Introduce your students to a new language pattern while also… Read more
Patterns #3: Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, by Julia Donaldson (Nesting Pattern)
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students learn to recognize the “nesting” language pattern. Building on the patterns they identified in previous lessons, they will find that this pattern is a bit more challenging to discover and name! Lesson Plan: Suggested Grades: 2-3 Objective: Each student will identify and describe the… Read more
Patterns #4: The Drum, A Folktale from India (Circular or Chain Pattern)
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students will learn the pattern of a circular or chain story. This lesson is easy to teach, and the kids get a kick out of putting the circular pattern together. Not only do they learn to identify a circular/chain story, but they write one together… Read more