English Language Arts Grade 1
Speaking and Listening Standard 4
After reading the story "The Little House", students will discuss changing patterns and then create a seasonal mandala.
This lesson is a great way to introduce students to cycles and patterns. The literature selection for this activity is designed to be used first as a shared reading experience. It can then be used to teach word patterns and repetition in language cycles of time in math, and cycles of change in science.
Intended Learning Outcomes
5. Understand and use basic concepts and skills.
Process Skills
Problem solving
Invitation to Learn
Pass around a silver dollar that is about 100 years old. Ask: "Did you
notice how worn out the silver dollar is? What do you think it looked like when
it was new?" "How much do you think you could buy with it when it
was new?" (Let them know that a new car cost about $200.00.)
Instructional Procedures
Instructions for Making a Seasonal Mandala
A mandala is an ancient form of art that is found in every culture. It is a
circle with a cross in it. Some are very elaborate and others are very simple.
The mandala represents wholeness and interconnectedness of all things.
Instructional Procedures
Possible Extensions/Adaptations
Nature Walk--Find a special place where you can
go several times in the school year to observe changes. Take photos or write
in journals to record information throughout the year. (Show field trip kits.)
Winslow Homer--Study "Snap the Whip," a painting by Winslow Homer.
Games--Teach students how to play games children played 100 years ago, like Cats Cradle, Jump Rope Chants, Snap the Whip, Red Rover, marbles, etc.
Venn Diagram--Make a Venn Diagram of games students play today compared with games their parents played. (See family connections activity.)
Family Connections
Have a homework assignment where students interview their parents or grandparents
asking them questions such as:
The seasonal mandala that students make will show how well they understand the concept of seasonal patterns.