You might remember that throughout September and October, the Trees Class was doing a lot of sorting, classifying, and counting. These were the earliest parts of our mathematics curriculum, and provided just the right foundational thinking for ...
The Trees Class has been studying patterns. Why? Because they are delightful. But also because they are a crucial element in mathematical development and help with the algebraic thinking and problem-solving children will need in kindergarten and beyond.
Our study of patterns began by helping children to notice patterns around them. We listened for patterns in songs, rhymes, words, and books, and we saw patterns all around us.
The children began to get really excited when they would wear and share patterns they noticed in their clothing.
It can be hard work to decide if something is a pattern or a design, but after lots of practice noticing, talking about, and reading patterns, children began to discover that a pattern is a “unit” that repeats over and over and over.
Not only did we work on recognizing and reading patterns, but we also copied patterns, continued patterns, and eventually created our own patterns.
The children began to get really excited when they would wear and share patterns they noticed in their clothing.
It can be hard work to decide if something is a pattern or a design, but after lots of practice noticing, talking about, and reading patterns, children began to discover that a pattern is a “unit” that repeats over and over and over.
Not only did we work on recognizing and reading patterns, but we also copied patterns, continued patterns, and eventually created our own patterns.
We are continuing to have fun finding patterns in our world and we hope that you can come into the Trees Classroom and enjoy all of the patterns on display in our Pattern Museum!
