Kindergarten — Mathematics: Identify and Create Patterns

Overview

Students identify, reproduce, extend, and create patterns of two or three elements.

Activate

In a class discussion using manipulatives, students identify and describe a given repeating pattern containing two or three elements (e.g. aab, abb, abc .). Using a given electronic file, students distinguish between repeating patterns and non-repeating sequences by identifying the part that repeats.

Suggestions for Assessment:
Observe if students identify the part that repeats in a pattern and that they can distinguish between a pattern and a non-pattern to determine which students need differentiation and/or appropriate scaffolding.

With students, construct and post assessment criteria for what makes a repeating pattern. Throughout the Kindergarten patterning process, use the Focused Observation Form to focus on students' growing competence in identifying, reproducing, extending, and creating repeating patterns (two or three elements) using manipulatives, sounds and actions.

Acquire

Students copy a given repeating pattern and describe  the repeating chunk in the pattern orally to a peer [Produce to Show Understanding, Communicate, Collaborate].

Suggestions for Assessment:
Record Focused Observations: Determine that students copy the repeating pattern and describe the repeating chunk in the pattern.

Students extend a variety of given patterns to two or more repetitions using given electronic file or given websites.

Teacher Tip:
While introducing websites to students, emphasize the safe use of the Internet. Practice opening bookmarked sites only, and discuss the classroom and school rules for safe use.

Suggestions for Assessment:
Record Focused Observations: Determine if students extend the given patterns correctly, and if they can describe the part of the pattern that is repeating.

Apply

Students create a repeating pattern with pattern block manipulatives and recreate it in a website. [Produce to Show Understanding] Peer extends the pattern. [Collaborate]

Suggestions for Assessment:
Peer Assessment: Have students peer-assess the patterns based on posted criteria.

Students use a paint/draw program to create a repeating pattern and describe the pattern in a recorded audio clip [Produce to Show Understanding, Communicate].

Suggestions for Assessment:
Record Focused Observations: Determine if pattern and pattern description in audio clip are accurate.

Students examine design samples in wallpaper or clothing fabric and describe orally to a peer the patterns they see. Using paint or draw, students create their own wallpaper or their own clothing design so that it involves a pattern. [Produce to Show Understanding] Students share in an electronic gallery walk [Communicate].

Suggestions for Assessment:
Interview: Ask students to explain their pattern design, noting if students are able to explain their pattern by identifying the part that repeats.