Patterns
K.16 The student will identify, describe, and extend repeating
patterns.
Understanding the Standard (For Teachers)
Pattern recognition is a fundamental cornerstone of mathematics, particularly
algebra.
In a repeating pattern, the core of the pattern is the string of elements
that repeats. By identifying the core, students demonstrate their understanding
of the pattern.
Students should recognize that the sound pattern ‘snap, clap, snap, clap’ is
the same in form as the color pattern ‘red, blue, red, blue’.
Pattern recognition and the extension of the pattern allow students to make
predictions.
The simplest types of patterns are repeating patterns. The patterns can be
oral, such as the refrain in "Old MacDonald’s Farm" ("e-i-e-i-o"), or physical
with clapping and snapping patterns, or combinations of both, such as is found
in songs like the "Hokey Pokey." In each case, students need to identify the
basic unit of the pattern and repeat it. Opportunities to create, recognize,
describe, and extend repeating patterns are essential to the primary school
experience.
Sample repeating patterns (repeating the core) are
–ABABABAB;
–ABCABC;
–AABBAABBAABB;
–AABAAB;
–AABCAABC; and
–ABACABAC.
All students should
Understand that patterns are a way to recognize order and organize their
world and to predict what comes next in an arrangement.
Understand that the sound pattern ‘snap, clap, snap, clap’ is the same in
form as the color pattern ‘red, blue, red, blue’.
Teaching the Standard
Books
Busy Bugs: A Book About Patterns. By Jayne Harvey. Illus by Bernard Adnet. 2003. 32p. Penguin Young Readers. (978-0448431598). Gr K-2. Read along as the bugs create patterns with materials they have close at hand. Written with a rhyming pattern, this book gives many examples of patterns students will run across and be able to recreate.Pattern. By Henry Pluckrose. 1995. 32p. Children's Press. (978-0516454559). Gr K+. Reading this book with students and allowing them to fully absorb and discuss the photographs will liven up any instruction on patterns. This book can always be placed at a station to give students opportunities to recreate the patterns.Pattern Fish. By Trudi Harris. Illus by Ann Greene. 2000. 40p. Millbrook Press. (978-0761317128). Gr K-1. What this book lacks in story line, it more than makes up for in content. The illustrations help reinforce the patters spoken of in the text making for a very effective teaching tool.
Lessons/Activities/Centerwork
Caps for Sale. While this lesson plan is created for PreK, it is a great jumping off point for teaching patters. To be used for kindergarten, I would try making more complicated patterns with the caps (ABAB, ABCABC, AABAAB, ABBCABBC) and allow plenty of time for small group practice.
Owl Patterns. Download and use this (free) printout to have students practice their patterns. The graphics are adorable and this is so much more exciting than colored dots or lines.
Strawberry Patterns. Download this (free) game and have your students play in small groups, pairs, or at a math station. Very cute and hands on idea!
Electronic Resources
Complete the Pattern. This game has students continuing color patters. This would be good for more advanced students as the patterns are longer than what you would typically be doing at this age.
Pattern Mania. Students practice continuing the pattern in this game. Fun graphics and simple design will entertain and reinforce instruction on patterns.
Pattern Matcher. In this game students try to pick a pattern that matches the original. There are two levels of play allowing the teacher to differentiate depending on the students needs and abilities.
Assessments
123123 Patterns. This sheet assesses students knowledge and understanding of repeating ABCABC patterns.
Pattern Snake. Print out this sheet and instruct students to color based on a repeating pattern (choose depending on what your are practicing). After having teacher assess, have students paste into their math journals.
Repeating Patterns. Have students complete this sheet to see where they stand with continuing patterns. Once assessment is completed have students paste into their math journals.