4MA4

LO1

Pattern Block Designs

Formative Assessment:

Have you ever had to make something by following directions?

What did you have to make?

Could you make a design by following someone’s verbal directions?

Could you make you own design and direct someone else in making it?

Instructional Strategies or Activities:

Students will need buckets of pattern blocks for this activity. They will work in pairs an take turns being the leader. The leader makes a design of pattern blocks (hidden from view) and then orally describes how to make it. Their partner tries to recreate the hidden design.

First demonstrate for the class by building a simple design with 3 or 4 blocks on the overhead, with the projector turned off. Give the students an oral description of your design, stopping after each statement to give them time to build.

When you are finished with the directions, turn on the projector to reveal the design. Hold a discussion about how clear the directions were. Ask students what would have helped to make the directions clearer.

The object of the activity is for the leader and his partner to work together. The leader is not trying to trick his partner. The leader would always try to give a description that is as clear as possible. The partner should listen carefully and ask good questions.

After the teacher has demonstrated the activity, have students work in pairs. Have each person make a design using only 3 or 4 pieces. Have them make the design behind a barrier. Have each partner also write a description of his design.

When the designs are finished, have the leader partner describe his design while the other partner tries to follow the description and copy the design with pattern blocks. When finished, reveal the design and compare the copy.

Student take turns being the leader and repeat the activity several times. If successful, have them try a design with five or six pattern blocks.

Summative Assessment:

Observe the students during the activity to make sure the design matches the description and the original design.