Patterns and Symmetry

It’s the second month Virtual Book Club for Kids!

During the month of October we are highlighting the book Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney.

Today we are reaching right into math & shapes with symmetry and patterns.  We started our lesson by going through several books looking for patterns & symmetry in the illustrations.

Patterns are essential building blocks in laying down a foundation for future math.  So today, we’ll start out with laying out pretty papers as pattern blocks to create a patterned symmetrical quilt, but it will eventually lead to addition, skip counting, and more in future activities!

The same goes for symmetry – a basic foundation for math.

I like creating “fun & artsy” activities in learning math with my 5yo.  She’s a visual creative learner (like her mama), and these colorful activities tied into our books fill those foundation buckets in her :)

THE SUPPLIES

• Llama Llama Red Pajama book
• scrapbook paper
• paper cutter or scissors
• white cardstock
• glue stick (I like these purple ones for the little’s so they can see where they are gluing, i.e. less mess! :)
• optional: markers/crayons

THE HOW TO

1. We started off our lesson with reading several books (one’s I picked ahead of time I knew had Patterns and Symmetry in the illustrations) namely our VBS book of the month, Llama Llama Red Pajama.
2. We then talked about Patterns and Symmetry, and I had V&T tell me what patterns were and explain symmetry to me.  I then added my thoughts & definitions, showing them examples.
3. We then read the book again, and while reading the book, I had V&T point out Patterns and Symmetry throughout the book.  The main Patterns and Symmetry in the book are little llama’s quilt on his bed, so we took that idea, and decided to practice making Patterns and Symmetry with creating our own quilts.
4. I grabbed some fun scrapbook paper I had in my supplies & cut them into 2×2 square shapes using my paper cutter.  Then V&T went to work.
5. They laid out their patterns first, making sure the design was symmetrical too.
6. After they decided on their final design, I grabbed a piece of cardstock (ya never know the glue involvement with little ones & I knew the cardstock would hold up better than regular printer paper :).  They then glued down their final design with a glue stick.

hehe V even drew little llama eyes & ears peaking out over the quilt, like the book :)

You can also extend this activity by mixing it up and seeing how many different ways they can make a symmetrical pattern!  Or further extend it by cutting out different shapes; triangles, rectangles, even circles and have them create Patterns and Symmetry using a big mix of shapes to challenge them further!

MORE AWESOME CRAFTS & ACTIVITES INSPIRED BY

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

for this month’s for Virtual Book Club for Kids.

 

INSPIRE OTHERS BY SHARING!!

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