Saturday, October 10, 2009

Hopscotch Paths - Enhancing Patterns


A fun and exciting way to enhance the learning of patterns is one of our favorite lessons in Math Investigations - Hopscotch Paths. At first the students are very curious when they see us drawing on the carpet with chalk! Not only is this is an excellent way to get their attention, but it also extends patterns to a physical activity. Surprisingly, some children have never played hopscotch or have ever seen it, so this was a great game to enhance schema and have them learn a new game. After a demonstration, students were invited to give it a try - one square for one foot and two squares for both feet. The one-two-one pattern was quickly learned and the children had a lot of fun with it. Then they went back to their seats to find squares of paper for them to construct their own Hopscotch Path. They could get as creative as they wished, however, it had to show a pattern. They loved using their fingers to hop down their path. Next week, we'll be bringing out the chalk during recess. I wonder how many different hopscotch paths we'll find...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

No wonder Chatfiled is talking about patterns at home so much! You have made this math concept really fun and engaging for the kids.

Melanie Holtsman said...

Lexie tried to convince me to buy her some new clothes that had more patterns while we were at the store. I asked her why and she told me all about the class noticings of patterns. I thought that was so cute. Thanks for disguising learning with all the fun!

Crystal said...

The other day, Breckyn was drawing huge squares of alternating colors on the patio. When I asked her what she was making, she plainly said it was her hopscotch pattern. I am very impressed on how much she is picking up. We have to make a pattern with just about everything ,including her toys. Thanks for doing such a great job, Breckyn is learning a lot!

Anonymous said...

Patterns, Patterns, and more Patterns. Patterns here Patterns there Patterns everywhere!
Ryan W. is a Pattern Master!
Romy....

Unknown said...

That is a very good idea. I definitely haven't seen a teacher draw on the carpet with chalk but it would get their attention and make them remember. I think your creative and new ideas are fun and exciting. Keep it up and these are all great ideas for myself!

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