Learning about patterns is one of the building blocks of understanding mathematics. (Recall that math is the study of patterns and relationships.) In kindergarten, creating colorful patterns is a fun and engaging activity. This activity is actually a great foundation for learning skip counting, repeated addition (and therefore multiplication and division), and even algebraic reasoning.
What IS A PATTERN?
A pattern is a repeated design or recurring sequence. It is an ordered set of items arranged according to a rule.
WHY ARE PATTERNS IMPORTANT?
The National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning states that “Patterns serve as the cornerstone of algebraic thinking.” Indeed, patterning is one of the important early skills that set the foundation for learning more advanced math concepts. And, patterns are also found in literature, science, music, art, dance―and the world all around us.
HOW DO CHILDREN LEARN PATTERNS?
Children first learn about patterns by observing the similarities and differences of objects. So it will benefit your students to have plenty of experiences grouping or sorting objects together before introduced to the concept of patterns.
As children understand the relationships among different objects, they begin to recognize patterns. From recognition, they progress to extension of patterns, translation from one pattern to another, and finally, creation of their own.
As children understand the relationships among different objects, they begin to recognize patterns. From recognition, they progress to extension of patterns, translation from one pattern to another, and finally, creation of their own.
HOW DO YOU TEACH PATTERNS?
Assessing Prior Knowledge
Use a small collection of coloured blocks. Ask your learners to describe the blocks. Tell them to sort or group the blocks. You may model sorting the blocks by colour.
Create an AB pattern using these cubes by alternating two colours (e.g. red, green, red, green, red, green). Tell your learners to make a copy of the line of blocks you made. Tell them to describe what they made.
Then create an ABC pattern with the blocks (e.g. red, green, blue, red, green, blue, red, green). Ask them “Which block comes next? How did you know which block to choose?
Introducing Patterns
There are many different ways to introduce patterns. One of the best ways is to observe the surroundings and look for patterns. For example, you can notice a pattern on the table cloth “Look at the stripes pattern here! Red, white, red, white.” Or you can make a pattern by doing something. You may say “Let’s make a pattern with how we move our hands. Clap, wave, clap, wave.” Children appreciate the concepts more when they experience them.
Teaching Patterns
Here is the developmental sequence for teaching patterning skills to your K-2 students:
Use a small collection of coloured blocks. Ask your learners to describe the blocks. Tell them to sort or group the blocks. You may model sorting the blocks by colour.
Create an AB pattern using these cubes by alternating two colours (e.g. red, green, red, green, red, green). Tell your learners to make a copy of the line of blocks you made. Tell them to describe what they made.
Then create an ABC pattern with the blocks (e.g. red, green, blue, red, green, blue, red, green). Ask them “Which block comes next? How did you know which block to choose?
Introducing Patterns
There are many different ways to introduce patterns. One of the best ways is to observe the surroundings and look for patterns. For example, you can notice a pattern on the table cloth “Look at the stripes pattern here! Red, white, red, white.” Or you can make a pattern by doing something. You may say “Let’s make a pattern with how we move our hands. Clap, wave, clap, wave.” Children appreciate the concepts more when they experience them.
Teaching Patterns
Here is the developmental sequence for teaching patterning skills to your K-2 students:
- Recognize a pattern (What part of the pattern repeats?)
- Describe a pattern (What shapes, colours, or sizes are in the pattern?)
- Copy a pattern (Can you copy the given pattern?)
- Extend a pattern (What will come next in the pattern?)
- Compare patterns (Are these patterns the same?)
- Translation of a pattern (How do you make a new pattern from this?)
- Create a pattern (Can you make your own pattern?)
WHAT ARE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR TEACHING PATTERNS?
For success in teaching sorting and patterning, try some of these tips:
- Read books that have patterns. “Pattern Bugs” and “Pattern Fish” by Trudy Harris are two delightful read-aloud books for teaching patterns.
- Ask children to notice patterns they see every day. Tell them to find patterns in bathroom floor tiles, wallpaper designs, or notebook covers.
- Allow time for lots of patterning practice. It can take months for children to achieve mastery of patterning.
- Provide colored manipulatives. They can use pom poms, beads, pegs, rainbow counting bears, pattern blocks, interlocking cubes, etc.
- Go out for a nature walk with them and let them create patterns with objects they find outside.
- Encourage children to create their patterns. They can use stamps and washable ink pads. Or they can make patterns using their snacks like raisins, pretzels, and biscuits.
- Ask leading questions when teaching. Encourage them to talk and explain their thinking, even if their answer is wrong. Also, provide time for answering any of their queries.