Team Foundation News
Patterns 2025
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 outsides
- 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 Polyplug 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!
Term 3 - Echi Echidna Adventures
In the first week of Term 3, two FKJ students shared their Echi Echidna adventures with the class. Nayna had been unwell at the end of Term 2 and so she got to share her wonderful adventures on the first day back of Term 3.
Nayna began her Echi adventures by showing Echi around her home. Echi was very impressed with the shiny wall above Nayna's fire place! Nayna then showed Echi how clever she was by building a tower for Echi with magnetic tiles. Echi felt so safe and snug inside his very own tile tower. Great job Nayna! The next exciting activity was visiting Nayna's families farm. Echi met all sorts of interesting animals. Goats, sheep and even an alpaca! These animals were very curious about Echi and welcomed him to their home. The last adventure was meeting Nayna's dog Tara. Tara was so gentle with Echi and gave him a friendly lick on the nose! Thank you so much Nayna for sharing your lovely adventures with FKJ! We enjoyed hearing all about the fun activities that you and Echi experienced!
In the same week Adil shared his holiday adventures with Echi. Adil and Echi began their adventures by going to the movies with their friend Milan to watch Jurassic World. I hope it wasn't too scary for you Echi! Adil then took Echi to have an adventure in the city. They walked along the Yarra River and ate some delicious food. Holidays should be a time to rest and recharge your batteries. Echi and Adil sat on the couch and watched cartoons while eating delicious popcorn. Yum! Adil also showed Echi how to care for the garden by watering the plants around his home. Great job Adil! He also showed Echi how to wash his Hotwheels cars in a mini car wash. You are so great at doing chores Adil! Adil's sister made some delicious cupcakes and Echi and Adil share one. It was scrumptious! The last adventure that Echi shared with Adil was listening to Adil play some lovely, relaxing tunes on the keyboard. Thank you so much, Adil, for sharing such a fun week with Echi and for telling your classmates all about your adventures. It was wonderful to hear everything you did with our furry friend!
We look forward to hearing more Echi adventures in the future! You're such a lucky echidna Echi!
Team Foundation Teacher
Kirstin Jones