Back after forever! Talking about pattern!

So hello to all. I know here the holiday break was much longer than we expected. We had several days off because of snow and temperatures. I haven't had a full week since then because of various other commitments, I think next week will be my first full week since before Christmas! Craziness.

We came back in full swing in the art room. The 4th graders are right in the middle of clay. We will be glazing today and next week so as soon as those start coming out of the kiln I will be posting pictures.

I wanted to highlight a kindergarten project this week. The students are learning about pattern. I've found that anytime I can give them non-traditional objects to help illustrate the new concept, they really experience success. So we talked about pattern and some students caught on right away and gave examples from their imagination, the room, their clothes etc...


Then we busted out marshmallows and tooth picks! The children were told to work together at their tables and come up with several different patterns. Of course they were instructed not to eat the marshmallows because so many little hands were touching them! Germs!
 Let me tell you, this kept them entertained for a good long while. Longer than I was expecting. I hope the chance to construct and manipulate the patterns they were creating will help cement their learning for the projects that we will be doing in the next couple of weeks involving patterns.