Pattern pins are versatile and easy to put together. They promote hands-on learning and quickly capture the attention of most learners.
I found this set of cute felt flowers and butterflies on Amazon and thought they were the perfect thing to use for our Garden Unit pins. For actual instructions on how to assemble the pins please refer to this post.
When introducing the concept of patterning, emphasis that a pattern is only a pattern if it is repeated at least two times. Follow up by showing examples. Break your children up into small groups and have them practice copying and extending these patterns. Start with easier ones and work up to more complicated ones.
In conclusion, be sure to give each student the opportunity to “read” their patterns after they have been created.
MATERIALS USED:
– Paint mixing sticks
– Paint (craft or spray)
– Clothespins
– Felt flowers and butterflies
– Hot glue gun
Children love to use the flannel board, and I give them that opportunity as often as I can. This table top board is perfect for a small group. I like to gather two or three children and have them work together to create a scene. Once the activity is completed, preschoolers practice pre-reading skills by telling oral stories (about their picture) and acting them out. The possibilities are endless. This springtime activity also teaches color recognition, association, and helps improve visual perception skills.
Last week Zoey wrote about her garden sensory bin. I thought it was completely amazing, and could not wait to come up with my own variation. This bin uses the same base (brown colored rice) which looks exactly like mulch. Mini pots are holding flowers, but I am hoping my children will also use them to sort the different types of bugs.
That’s the wonderful thing about sensory bins; they are literally bins overflowing with learning opportunities. Looking forward to seeing those little green thumbs!
MATERIALS USED:
– A large plastic bin
– Brown colored rice (tutorial here)
– Plastic bugs
– Mini flower pots
– Silk flowers
– Gardening gloves
– Tweezers
– Rake
– Shovel
– Watering can
We're Gigi and Zoey. We teach a two-year program (preschool and pre-k), and we're passionate about Early Childhood Education and the philosophy that children learn through play. Our goal is to prepare children for kindergarten while making learning fun.
We hope that our resources inspire you, and that you will share them with your little ones.
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