Grade R Mathematics Lesson Plan: Dinosaurs

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Grade R Mathematics Lesson Plan: Creating Patterns with Dinosaur Shapes

Materials Needed:

  • Dinosaur shapes in various sizes and colours (cut-outs or printed)
  • Chart paper or whiteboard
  • Markers or crayons
  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks
  • Worksheets with rows of empty boxes for pattern making
  • Interactive whiteboard (if available)

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify and name different dinosaur shapes.
2. Create simple repeating patterns using dinosaur shapes.
3. Recognise and describe patterns verbally.

Vocabulary:

  1. Pattern: A sequence that repeats in a predictable way.
  2. Shape: The form or outline of an object.
  3. Repeat: To do something again and again.
  4. Sequence: The order in which things follow each other.
  5. Dinosaur: A type of reptile that lived millions of years ago.

Previous Learning:

Students have already learned basic shape recognition, including squares, circles, and triangles. They have also been introduced to the concept of sorting objects based on colour and size.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  1. Challenge: Students may struggle with understanding the concept of a repeating pattern.
    Solution: Use visual aids and physical manipulation of dinosaur shapes to demonstrate how patterns repeat.
  2. Challenge: Some students may find it difficult to cut shapes accurately.
    Solution: Prepare pre-cut shapes for students who struggle with cutting.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Gather students in a circle. Show them different dinosaur shapes and discuss their colours and sizes.
  2. Activate Prior Knowledge (2 minutes): Briefly review shapes (circle, square, triangle) and colours. Ask students to identify these shapes and colours in the dinosaur cut-outs.

Middle Activities (32 minutes):

  1. Direct Instruction (6 minutes):
  2. Show a sequence of dinosaur shapes on the whiteboard (e.g., red dinosaur, blue dinosaur, red dinosaur, blue dinosaur).
  3. Point out how the pattern repeats itself.

  4. Explain the term ‘pattern’ and ‘repeat’.

  5. Guided Practice (10 minutes):

  6. Distribute dinosaur cut-outs and chart paper to small groups.
  7. Work with the groups to create simple patterns together (e.g., big dinosaur, small dinosaur, big dinosaur, small dinosaur).

  8. Circulate to provide support and correct any errors.

  9. Independent Practice (12 minutes):

  10. Provide each student with a worksheet that has rows of empty boxes.
  11. Instruct the students to create their own patterns using the dinosaur cut-outs, colouring, or drawing.

  12. Encourage students to explain their patterns to their peers.

  13. Group Discussion (4 minutes):

  14. Invite a few students to present their patterns to the class.
  15. Discuss the different types of patterns created and ask the class to identify what repeats in each pattern.

End Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Consolidation (2 minutes):
  2. Recap the concept of patterns and how they are made using dinosaur shapes.

  3. Highlight some patterns made by students.

  4. Exit Ticket (2 minutes):

  5. Ask each student to create a quick pattern on a small strip of paper using dinosaur stickers or drawings.
  6. Collect these strips as an informal assessment of their understanding.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Observe group work and individual worksheet activity for correct pattern creation.
  • Monitor verbal explanations of patterns during group discussion.
  • Review exit tickets for correct and consistent patterns.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • Scaffolding: Provide pre-cut shapes for students who struggle with fine motor skills.
  • Extension: Challenge advanced students to create more complex patterns (e.g., ABC patterns instead of AB patterns).
  • Visual Learners: Use the interactive whiteboard to display bright and large patterns.
  • Auditory Learners: Incorporate pattern songs or chants to reinforce the concept.

Teaching Notes:

  • Emphasise the joy of discovering patterns in the world around us, not just in the classroom.
  • Ensure pacing allows all students to participate and understand before moving on.
  • Be patient with students who may struggle and use praise to build their confidence.
  • Accessibility: Ensure that all visual materials are large and clear enough for students with vision impairments. Consider using tactile dinosaur shapes for students with significant vision impairments.

This lesson plan aims to make learning about patterns fun and engaging by incorporating a popular theme of dinosaurs. The use of physical shapes will help young learners grasp the abstract concept of patterns more concretely.