Title of Book:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
A Pair of Socks
Stuart J. Murphy
Harper Collins/1996
0-06-446703-1
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: Kindergarten-1st
(b) Knowledge and skills.
(1.4) Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses repeating patterns and
additive patterns to make predictions. The student is expected to identify, describe, and
extend concrete and pictorial patterns in order to make predictions and solve problems.
Brief Summary: A lonely striped sock is looking for his other pair of sock. The striped sock
searches laundry bag, washer, and dryer in vain, finally discovering its mate in the dog's basket.
However, when he does find his mate, he finds he is torn but their problem is solved with a
simple blue patch!
Materials Needed: A Pair of Socks by Stuart J. Murphy, flannel portable easel with velcro
shapes, Scissors, and glue.
Suggested Activity: Read story to students and ask them to describe what is going on in each
picture. Ask questions throughout the story, such as “Are the socks the same?” “How is one
sock different from the other sock?” and “Which is your favorite sock?” After reading you can
have students come up with different patterns using the flannel portable easel and velcro shapes
to make predictions. After predicting different patterns using velcro shapes students will be
given a pattern worksheet to work on at their desks. They are to cut and glue the shape that is
next on the pattern.
Crazy Pattern Machine website:
http://funschool.kaboose.com/preschool/learnabcs/games/game_crazy_pattern_machine_the.html
Pattern worksheet:
http://www.education.com/files/80801_80900/80808/file_80808.pdf
Adapted by: Elizabeth Leal, 2011