Patterning and poetry

Using this poem as a starting point, the students are making patterns using sea shell cut-outs. Next week, we'll extend these ideas as they use real shells as well as other objects. We'll also identify patterns in the natural world and in the classroom (Where's the pattern in the poem itself for example?). This poem will be used in other areas of language development too. For example, the students will work in small groups to try to put the jumbled lines in order. Once they have achieved this goal, they get to play teacher and recite the poem to each other while tagging each word as they say it - just like Madame Pare!