Pattern Block Explorers: Shapes, Sides, and Fun Designs!

Math Grades 1st Grade 7:36 Video
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Lesson Description

Join Mrs. Lawson in this fun lesson where we explore pattern blocks! We'll learn about different shapes, count their sides, and create cool patterns and pictures. Get ready to play with shapes and math!

Video Resource

Grade 1: Math Lesson #26 Identifying the Attributes of Pattern Blocks

The Eagle's Nest - Our Online Classroom

Duration: 7:36
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Key Concepts

  • Identifying different shapes (hexagon, triangle, rhombus, trapezoid, square).
  • Counting the number of sides each shape has.
  • Creating patterns and pictures using pattern blocks.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and name hexagons, triangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, and squares.
  • Students will be able to count the number of sides of each shape.
  • Students will be able to create simple patterns and pictures using pattern blocks.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by watching the YouTube video 'Grade 1: Math Lesson #26 Identifying the Attributes of Pattern Blocks'. Pay attention to Mrs. Lawson as she introduces the different shapes and makes patterns.
  • Shape Identification (10 mins)
    After watching the video, gather your own set of pattern blocks. Can you find the hexagon? The triangle? The rhombus? The trapezoid? The square? Practice naming each shape. Count how many of each shape you have.
  • Side Counting (10 mins)
    Now, let's count sides! How many sides does a triangle have? (3) How many sides does a square have? (4) How many sides does a hexagon have? (6) Count the sides of each shape in your pattern block set. Ask an adult for help if needed!
  • Pattern Creation (15 mins)
    Time to make patterns! Can you make a pattern using two shapes? What about three? Try making a pattern like triangle, square, triangle, square. Or hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid, hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid. Be creative and have fun!
  • Picture Making (15 mins)
    Let's make a picture! Like Mrs. Lawson, try making a flower. What else can you make? A house? A car? A robot? Use your pattern blocks to create any picture you want!
  • Review (5 mins)
    Review the names of the shapes and the number of sides each shape has. Share your patterns and pictures with a friend or family member!

Interactive Exercises

  • Pattern Block Challenge Cards
    Create challenge cards with simple patterns for students to replicate using their pattern blocks. Example: Card shows 'Triangle, Square, Triangle, Square'. Students recreate the pattern.
  • Shape Sorting
    Have students sort the pattern blocks into groups based on shape, color, or number of sides.

Discussion Questions

  • What is your favorite shape from the pattern blocks and why?
  • Can you describe a time you saw one of these shapes in your everyday life?
  • What other patterns or pictures can we make with these shapes?

Skills Developed

  • Shape identification
  • Counting
  • Pattern recognition
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Creativity

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which shape has 3 sides?

Correct Answer: Triangle

Question 2:

Which shape has 6 sides?

Correct Answer: Hexagon

Question 3:

Which shape has 4 sides that are all the same length?

Correct Answer: Square

Question 4:

What shape looks like a triangle got stuck in a trap?

Correct Answer: Trapezoid

Question 5:

Which shape is yellow in the pattern block set?

Correct Answer: Hexagon

Question 6:

If you put a triangle and a square together, what do you make?

Correct Answer: A new shape

Question 7:

Which shape is green in the pattern block set?

Correct Answer: Triangle

Question 8:

Which of these shapes has 4 sides, but they are not all the same length?

Correct Answer: Rhombus

Question 9:

What can you make with pattern blocks?

Correct Answer: All of the above

Question 10:

Mrs. Lawson likes to play with ____ blocks.

Correct Answer: Pattern

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A triangle has _____ sides.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 2:

A square has _____ sides.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 3:

A hexagon has _____ sides.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 4:

The shape that looks like a smooshed square is called a _____.

Correct Answer: rhombus

Question 5:

The red shape is called a _____.

Correct Answer: trapezoid

Question 6:

You can make a _____ using pattern blocks.

Correct Answer: pattern

Question 7:

The yellow pattern block is a _____.

Correct Answer: hexagon

Question 8:

Mrs. Lawson said the trapezoid is like a triangle that got stuck in a _____.

Correct Answer: trap

Question 9:

Triangles are often _____ in color in a set of pattern blocks.

Correct Answer: green

Question 10:

Rombuses and squares both have ____ sides.

Correct Answer: 4

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.1:Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes. CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.2:Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, half-circles, and quarter-circles) or three-dimensional shapes (cubes, right rectangular prisms, right circular cones, and right circular cylinders) to create a composite shape, and compose new shapes from the composite shape.

Teaching Materials

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