
I have seen this project done on many websites, and I have even done this one myself before.  Though, this is the first time I have done it with first grade.  I love this project, because it is a really simple way to teach patterns. 

To begin this project, I have each child choose a piece of construction paper.  Then with oil pastels, I have them draw one large pattern onto the paper.  After this, we put the construction paper aside, and I give each child a piece of white paper and a black marker.  I then show students step by step how to draw a cat.  Once this is done, I have the students draw several lines to break the cat up into several sections.  In each section, students use the black marker to draw patterns.  I encourage the students to color parts of the design in to make it darker (Many do not think to do this if not encouraged).  

I just love what my first graders did with this project.  Last time I did this lesson, I did it with 
third and fourth grade.  While I liked the lesson when the older kids did it, I just LOVE it for the younger ones.
 
What great results for 1st graders! They must have really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI think coloring in parts of the patterns makes a big difference :)
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