pattern matching on the light table

Many children come into my program not knowing what a pattern is or how to create one out of loose materials. I noticed that after a few days of being offered a tray of glass florist gems, starfish, and sea glass the children worked really hard manipulating the items but without a real sense of purpose. 


Since I can't be in every area all the time (I wish I could clone myself) I decided the activity could use a little structure. My solution was to trace a few starfish and gems into a simple pattern on a piece of transparency paper and leave it on the table for the children to work with. 

I wish I could have been there to document the finished pattern, but alas, it is what it is. 

transparent and translucent plastic on the light table

Time to change up the light table.

I added various transparent and translucent plastic items (bubble wrap, bottles and caps, jewel cases, etc) from the recycle room to the light table along with markers.

I let the children draw as they saw fit.

Here are some of their creations displayed in the nearby window:



Ms. Erin: What do they remind you of?

K: Car lights, all day long. A bowl.

M: These are water bottles.

K: Look, a button!

A: This is for my mommy.

B: I made this for your baby, Ms. Erin.