Patterning

Children need to be given many opportunities to practice making different types of patterns.

Before children are able to make patterns, they need to be able to sort objects by one attribute (color shape or size). The first stage of patterning is pattern copying. The child will simply copy a pattern that has been chosen for her. 

When a child has completed her pattern, I have her "read" it back to me to give her extra practice beginning on the left and ending on the right. This is an important habit for children to form.

The second stage of patterning is adding on to an already created pattern. A pattern must have at least two or three pattern cycles completed for a student new to patterning to be able to see and add on to the pattern. This is where worksheets often fail. 
Example: 
A worksheet has  RED  YELLOW   RED...   What comes next?
Honestly, I'm not sure.
Is the pattern "RED YELLOW      RED YELLOW        RED YELLOW"?
Or is it  "RED/YELLOW/RED   RED/YELLOW/RED"?

The third stage of patterning is creating a new pattern. These children are working in pairs to create their own patterns.

Children learn valuable social skills by working together. 

When a child has to help explain something, like patterning, to another child, it helps cement knowledge and understanding for both children.

It's great for the children to be able to work on their fine motor skills and patterning by making these necklaces with dyed pasta.

Stringing pony beads onto pipe cleaners is an easy way to make pattern bracelets. The best part is - the beads don't fall off!!

These pattern snakes were REALLY hard to make, but worth it! First we glued our strips of paper together.

Next I taught them how to tie a knot to connect the body segments. 

We made a huge mess, but we usually do when we try something new.