First Grade

The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons reinforced the theme, "Patterns."  Some of the concepts explored through the selection were patterns, Earth patterns, cycles, and change.  The book follows a young boy named Arnold and his apple tree through all the seasons of the year.  Before sharing the selection the students were asked to define the word pattern and think of some examples of patterns.  Students found patterns in their classroom at school, in nature, and in their lives outside of school. After hearing the story, the students were asked to brainstorm examples of repeating patterns in nature.  The life cycles of several animals were popular examples given by many of the first graders.  11/02/14