Teacher: Juliana Jett

Subject Area: Mathematics

Grade Level: First Grade

Unit Title: Math:  Geometry

Lesson Title: Matching Objects and Making Patterns

Objectives: 

·    Sort and categorize objects, shapes, and numbers in a variety of ways (1) 2.1

·    Recognize, describe, extend, and create repeating and increasing patterns using symbols, objects, and manipulatives (1) 2.2  

ISTE NETS-S Standards Addressed:

1a. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

1b. Students are proficient in the use of technology.

           2b. Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

           2c. Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

         3a. Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

         6a. Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Needed Materials:

•        Power Point slideshow

•        Projection device

•        Computer stations for student use (at least 6 for students) teacher computer,

•        Worksheets: Matching Shapes; Make Your Own Pattern

•        Computer Software:  Infinity City by Headbone Interactive

•        Various matching objects for students to manipulate (e.g. small blocks, toys, dominoes, pom poms, tiles, etc.)

Procedure

Sponge Activity: Have various objects laid out on a table and ask students what they can do with the objects.  Allow them a few minutes to play around with the objects. (Match and make patterns)

 Anticipatory Set:  What is a pattern?  How do we make a pattern?  What can we use to make patterns?

Activity:  Divide the children into sections and then have them take turns doing the activity centers, about 10 minutes per center. Then have the groups rotate to the next activity. Depending on the number of computers available will determine how many students work on each activity.  Plan to have extra worksheets in case students finish early.

·        Computer activity:  Infinity City Chapter 7 Planting Flowers and Chapter 8 Fish Tank Matching

·        Worksheet 1:  Matching the different objects to each other.

·        Worksheet 2:  Designing their own patterns, coloring outlines of different shapes. 

Closure:  Using the objects from the sponge activity, have the children tell me how to form a pattern with them. 

Assessment:  Have children come up with five different patterns of their own, using numbers, letters, shapes like cereal, noodles, or draw and color them on a piece of paper.  Let the students be as creative as they want in coming up with their own patterns. 

Teaser: Tell students that we are going to start learning how to count money tomorrow.

Reflection: Lesson Plan II

            When deciding what technology I would use for my lesson plan, I wanted to find something that was both fun and educational for the students.  One of the software games I had chosen for my previous evaluations was Infinity City.  I played through the game and enjoyed it.  I asked my two sons to play the games to let me know how fun it really was.  They both thought it was really cool and they ask me almost every day if they can play it on the computer.  Based on their reaction and my evaluation of the software I felt it would be a good choice for a first grade math lesson.  Currently, I want to teach at the primary grade level because they are still young enough to be curious about everything.  I want to nurture their eagerness so they will become lifelong learners.  Hopefully through choosing fun technology I can show the students that learning is fun.  My children are my built in “testers” to make sure my lesson plans are educational as well as fun.

            Through the use of this software the students will gain a sound use of technology and practice their observation and problem solving skills.  Technology is built into playing the game because they use the mouse and command buttons to go through the various games.  This allows them to become more familiar with the technology so the can become more confident in their day to day use of it.  The game itself fosters a positive attitude toward learning and not giving up because the characters in the game say positive things like “keep trying I know you’ll get it next time”.  If the children build up their technology confidence they will be better experienced as they get older and able to handle more complex problems.  

            I feel my choice of activities and technologies enhances their learning of the topic because I utilize different methods of presenting the information.  I use auditory through explaining the topic, visual aids through the slides, and a tactile stimulus through the objects in class, coloring the patterns, and playing the games on the computer.  I feel that one method is not too emphasized than the others. That way each student gets practice learning through other methods and also learning through the method best for them. 

            This time the hardest part of the assignment was deciding which subject to pick and then to figure out which activities would best utilize time and resources available.  There are so many possibilities out there for each subject that it was hard to decide which ones would be best.  I assumed that some schools might not have a computer available for each student at the same time so I thought using worksheets combined with computer time would maximize time and teaching the students without boring them with only one activity.  I think the students would love to play all the games available on the Infinity City software, so I might use it as an option for a free time activity.

            Dr. Keeler, I would like you to know that I tried to think of every possible aspect of presenting this lesson and the standards it would cover.  I also tried to utilize the technology most likely available to me and incorporate it into the lesson with more traditional activities.  I wanted the lesson to be specific, while leaving enough room for flexibility in the chance that someone may not have the technology available or students may need more one on one attention to grasp the lesson.  I believe these assignments are really great for new teachers to learn how to design their own lesson plans and therefore gain the confidence necessary to teach the subjects to their students in the future.  Even though there are probably lesson plans for every topic imaginable it is still an important skill to know how to design your own creative and effective lesson plans when you need to.  I hope I was able to accomplish that goal with my lesson plan on patterns and matching.