Team Foundation News
Numeracy - Patterns!
Recognising patterns is important for identifying many different kinds of mathematical relationships. In early Mathematics, experiences are needed in identifying, describing, continuing and creating patterns among numbers, shapes and collections of objects. Over the last few weeks, Foundation children have been busy exploring, describing, continuing and creating a variety of patterns. Below is a snapshot of some of the pattern activities the Foundation children have/will be participating in.
Pattern Hunt
We began our exploration of patterns by looking at some of the amazing patterns we can see in the world around us, including plants, animals, the landscape and fruit. We then went hunting for patterns around our classroom and school yard. We were amazed at how many patterns we found! These activities focused on identifying and describing patterns, providing children with opportunities to build their vocabulary related to pattern.
Copying and creating patterns
Children had lots of fun copying, continuing and creating patterns using a variety of materials, including:
- Natural materials found outside
- Materials found around the classroom, such as counters and wooden shapes
- Coloured pegs on the peg boards
- Drawing patterns in the sand, using chalk and on a mini whiteboard
- Making sound patterns using their bodies and voices
- Using the stamps and drawing tools on the Draw and Tell iPad app
Some children were challenged to investigate and describe growing patterns, and number patterns formed by skip counting.
Beep Beep Vroom Vroom
The book stimulus for this activity was Beep Beep Vroom Vroom by Stuart Murphy. While reading the story, children explored the following questions:
- What do you notice about the way Molly's big brother has lined up his cars?
- Is Molly's pattern the same as her big brother's?
- What is different? What does Molly need to do to make the same pattern?
- If Molly's brother had more cars the same colour, which colour car would come next? And then next?
Children used materials to re-create the patterns made in the story. Working with their Maths Buddy, children then took turns to create their own pattern. They asked their partner to close their eyes, and they then took something away from their pattern. Their partner was then challenged to identify what was missing.
Poly Plug Patterns
Children were provided with a 5 x 5 blue and yellow Poly Plug board. Working with their Maths buddy, children explored the patterns created when they turned over every x number of Poly Plugs. Have a look at what was created when every 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Poly Plug was turned over.
We wonder how many different patterns you can spot around your house and garden. Have fun exploring, you’ll be amazed by what you find!