Patterning and Algebra
Listening for Patterns
• Clap your hands and stomp one foot in a sequence (such as clap, clap, stomp; clap, clap, stomp; clap, clap, stomp). Have your child repeat the same sequence. Then together create variations of the pattern.
• Have fun teaching your child simple dances that include a sequence of steps and movements.
Benefits
Help your child to recognize the patterns that are all around – and to describe them by using mathematical words, such as repeat, over again, it’s the same and it changes to.
Patterns at Home or in the Neighbourhood
• Your child will find patterns in clothing, in wallpaper, in tiles, on toys and among trees and flowers. Encourage your child to describe the patterns found. Have your child try to identify the features of the pattern that repeat.
• With your child, try searching for images on the Internet by using such keywords as “patterns around us.”
Ontario Ministry of Education
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentguidenum2012.pdf
