Leaf Patterns
By Caroline Wyman
Objective: The students will be able to use leaves as a way of practicing patterns.
Initiation: Have the students go outside to choose their favorite leaf to use for the project.
Development: Go over the concept of patterns that was previously discussed in class. Show a few patterns on a chart and have the class raise their hand to finish a pattern. Make it as simple as possible and then continue with more challenging ones.
For example; ABABABA...OR...ABBABBABBA...OR...ABCCABCCABCC
Tell them that you can create patterns with letters, numbers, shapes, or even colors. Pass out large white construction paper and show the class how to do leaf rubbings. They will choose a crayon color and put the leaf under the paper and rub the side of the crayon lightly over the leaf. A light picture of the leaf will appear. Show how to do patterns with the leaf by using different colors and leaf patterns. For example; red brown yellow red brown yellow red brown yellow...OR...green red red orange green red red orange and so forth. Have the students challenge themselves with patterns. Use "Fall" colors to make their papers attractive for display.
Closure: Read a book about seasons or trees.
Materials: Construction paper, crayons, leaves, book.
Time: 45 min.
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.