Caterpillar Butterfly Math Lesson Plan
Use an Integrated Unit to Teach Primary Kids Symmetry and Patterns
Mar 8, 2009
Primary school teachers can plan caterpillar and butterfly math lessons as part of a spring butterfly integrated unit. The elementary math concept of symmetry is easily illustrated using butterflies whose wings are mirror images of each other. ABAB, AABB, and ABC math patterns can be taught to Kindergarten, first and second grade students using different color circles that are put together to form patterned caterpillars.
How to Teach Symmetry to Kindergarteners Using Butterflies
To introduce the math concept of symmetry, teachers can take primary students on a butterfly walk. Kindergarten teachers place large photos of different species of butterflies around the classroom. The teacher points out how the butterfly wings all match.
The primary teacher explains to the class that if they took one wing and held it up to a mirror, the image that they see in the mirror will look just like the other wing. The teacher tells the students that things that are mirror images of each other are symmetrical.
The teacher passes out coffee filters and fingers paints to the primary students. The students use their fingers to put dots of paint on one side of the coffee filter and then fold it in half. When the kids open the filters up, they will see that both sides have symmetrical designs. When the paint dries, the teacher helps the students will turn the coffee filter into butterfly wings by placing a wooden clothespin in the center of the design.
How to Teach Math Patterns to Kindergarteners Using Caterpillars
Primary students need to be able to identify and reproduce ABAB, AABB, and ABC patterns to meet state and national math standards. Teachers can teach these patterns using colored circles during a caterpillar themed math lesson.
To teach math patterns, primary teachers laminate colored circles and use them to create colorful caterpillars. The teacher provides individuals or pairs of students with a set of circles in three different colors. The teacher arranges the circles at the front of the classroom into different color patterns and has the students copy the patterns at their desks.
The teacher then uses the circles to start a caterpillar pattern at the front of the room that the students complete at their desks. The teacher walks around the room to check understanding. The teacher then uses the math pattern vocabulary ABAB, AABB, or ABC to label the patterns they are making. The students display their caterpillar patterns on a bulletin board under the correct pattern labels.
Kindergarten, first and second grade students use butterfly wings to learn about the math concept of symmetry. The primary students also make ABAB, AABB, and ABC patterned caterpillars using colored circles and display their caterpillars on a bulletin board during math lessons as part of an integrated caterpillar and butterfly unit.
For more ideas to plan a caterpillar and butterfly themed unit primary school teachers can read: Butterfly Life Cycle Elementary Science Lesson and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Kindergarten Lesson.
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