Math Workshops: Patterns

The focus for our Math Workshops during our later part of the morning was patterns.  Learning to recognize and create patterns helps cognitive development and is a basic component of mathematical and organizational thinking. As young children learn to see patterns in their world, they will be setting the foundation for higher level thinking such as patterns in numbers, graphs, charts, and so on.

We first read Henry Pluckrose’s book, Math Counts, Pattern. This was a great introductory book for the mathematical concept of patterns. A discussion followed the read aloud and using unifix cubes, samples of simple AB patterns were created for the Cardinals to see.  As they became confident with AB patterns, we then introduced the AABB pattern.

After much practice, the Cardinals were divided into three groups. Each group moved from station to station until all three groups had the opportunity to participate in each section.  

One station included the unifix cubes. Here, the Cardinals were encouraged to create their own pattern AND name it too, e.g., red, yellow, red, yellow.

At another station, the Cardinals were invited to create and name their own pattern using foam pieces.

And lastly, there was a station were the Cardinals were asked to create and name their own pattern(s) using stamps.

Much fun was had by all!