Third Grade Repeating and Growing Patterns

In order to teach repeating and growing patterns to my third graders, I use geometric tiles and pony beads for the first couple of days. My students learn best by using manipulatives so it's important to me for them to explore and use their imagination to begin with. My students love the pony beads the best. Each student creates a repeating pattern necklace and a growing pattern necklace to wear once completed.  When a staff member or student asks them about their necklace, they have to explain the difference between each necklace. Great way to check for understanding and have fun 

Area, Perimeter, and Fractions

My fourth grade students have been studying area and perimeter. I found an activity on Pinterest where students create themselves using square tiles. Once completed, they find the area and perimeter of their picture. They also found the fractional part of each color they used to create their picture. Three objectives in one activity!! Wow!!! The children absolutely loved this activity. 

As you will be able to see, they got very creative by adding personal things about themselves like eyeglasses, what type of shoes they were wearing(nike emblem), and hairstyles. The bulletin board turned out really cute!