(Materials for modifiers) -Scotch tape -Cheerios -Lifesavers -Polo Mints
Modifiers/Scaffold
For an easier challenge: -Tape a little piece of Scotch tape at the end of the yarn to make it easier for earlier students to lace the yarn through the Fruit Loops -Encourage children to make basic ABAB patterns
For most children -Encourage children to make semi-complex patterns like ABCABC patterns
For a trickier challenge: -Give students a variety of cereals and snacks, such as Cheerios, Lifesavers, and Polo Mints -Encourage these children to make complex AABAAB or ABCDABCD patterns
Follow-up Ideas
-Instead of using counting bears, use buttons, pom-poms, cotton balls, googly eyes, and Bingo dobbers for making patterns.
-Give each student a handful of pom-popms with glue. Then, give them a sheet of paper and ask them to make patterns with them!
Originating Idea
One of the fondest memories I have from Girls Scouts is making Fruit Loop Necklaces with my troop during our camping trip. I wanted to pass on this activity to my preschoolers and introduce them to this tasty treat!
How to Make It
The teacher cuts long pieces of yarn (12 - 18 inches long) so that there's enough for at least one per student. She should tie a knot at the end of each piece of yarn. The knot should be thick enough so the Fruit Loops won't fall off the end.
How to Implement It
While the children are washing their hands, the teachers pass out Fruit Loops for snack. During snack time, the teacher should sit down at the table with the children and say, "Ok, friends, while we're eating our snack, I wanted to ask you something. Who remembers what patterns are?" She then lets the students answer her question. Once their done discussing, the teacher says, "Well, today we are going to use our snack to make pretty patterns. Miss Amanda and I are going to pass out more Fruit Loops along with yarn. Here is how I would make my patterns." Then she will demonstrate how to weave the Fruit Loops through the yarn.
Most students will make basic ABAB patterns with the Fruit Loops. Earlier students will practice stringing the Fruit Loops onto the yarn, while later students will make complex patterns like ABCABC patterns.
Once the students are done making their necklaces, take a picture of them with their necklace so they can remember what a great job they did, and then let them eat their necklace! You can put the photos with the children's daily sheets, or post them on your school's website.