004 Introduction

faitroduetion

As eveiy busy teacher knows, reproducible patterns can be an invaluable resource in the classroom. You have probably thought to yourself many times, “I have a great idea for a learning gamę., .if only I had the time to create itt" or, “A bulletin board display would really help me teach this theme.. .if only I knew how to drawl” If these scenarios sound familiar, this book ls for you! With Biggie Patterns, you can create learning materials and displays in an instant!

Meeting the Individual Needs of Your Classroom

As a teacher, you know the indhrtdual needs of your students best. You’ve planned your curriculum and set goals for your class. You’ve zeroed in on the themes you want to teach.

Now it’s time to flesh out those. ideas and create invittng learning materials and displays. Biggie Patterns: Favortte Themes to the rescue! In this book, you will flnd forty friendly patterns that help you create all kinds of materials to enhance your classroom environment and curriculum. The simple, elear-cut illustrations allow for maximum flexlbility of usage. In the following pages, you will find a wealth of ideas for using clip art in your classroom, including:

*    Bulletin Board Displays

*    Manipulatlves & Games

*    Story Starters

*    Stationery

*    Newsletters, Invitations, & Flyers

*    Coloring Books

*    Individual & ColIaborative Books

*    Dramatic Play & Performances

*    Class Murals

*    Signs, Labels, & Place Mats

Creating a Motivational Environmenł

We know that it is not enough to simply help our students learn—we must help them learn to love learning itself. For this reason, it is import ant to create an exciting, motivational environment in which students can blossom and grow every day. Biggie Patterns: Fauorite Themes can help you create such an emlronment. From inviting theme displays to stoiy-inspiring stationery to festive award certificates, clip art can help you make learning fun!

Clip Art Tips

The patterns in this book are meant to be reproduced to meet your indMdual classroom’s needs. With Biggie Patterns: Fauorite Themes and a copier, a veritable storehouse of classroom materials is at your fingertips. Following are some tips to keep in mind when reproducing and using the patterns.

# Many copiers have options for reducing and enlarging images. You needn’t feel tied to the size of the patterns In the book. For instance, if you need markers for a board gamę or smaller images to make playing cards, simply reduce the image to an appropriate size, If you need a large centerpiece for a bulletin board display, enlarge the image.