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Math Pattern Activities

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I know many ask the question “is it important to teach patterns in the classroom?”. It may seem like a unit that is too easy for most kids, but there are so many benefits. Math pattern activities are a must in every preschool and kindergarten class. It not only creates order in a chaotic situation, but it teaches our little ones how to make educated guesses. And surprisingly, it will help them on their math journey later on down the road.

Create a Math Block

Even the easiest math units still need consistency. Keep your math block the same even with units like patterns. Here is what I include in my math block:

  • Engaging mini-lessons
  • Math centers
  • Independent practice
  • Visuals throughout the classroom

 

Engaging Mini Lessons

Mini lessons are the core for any type of subject block. It’s where units of study are introduced, and they have to grab the attention of your learners. My mini lessons are interactive. Students share their ideas and thoughts either to the whole group or with a partner. This helps meet the needs of all types of students: the shy and the outgoing!

I include fun, math related books and activities in my mini lessons to keep students engaged and excited. Here are some books that I recommend for these math pattern activities:

Math Centers

This is where my students break up into pairs and practice the unit of study from the mini lessons and my teacher table. I place activities in my math centers for strictly practice. This helps gives me a better idea on how a student does independently so I can adjust learning through my small group instruction. My math pattern activities include hands on centers where learners can manipulate to form the correct pattern.

 

Independent Practice

Yes…independent practice needs to happen in the classroom. Independent practice activities are great indicators on where your students are at before an assessment. This also helps you make changes to your small groups before a big assessment.

It’s okay to throw manipulatives into an independent practice assignment. I always include manipulatives in my assessments when I’m able to. If I keep things consistent across the board, my students tend to feel at ease when the assessment comes around.

Visuals Throughout the Classroom

You might not think students pay attention to what is on the wall of you room, but I have to say that they do! Fill your walls with reminders of your unit of study. Provide posters in math centers to remind them of the main points of the mini lessons. Create a word wall on your wall with all the important vocabulary words they need to know with pictures. It makes a world of difference!

A Freebie for You!

You’re not going empty handed!  You can download the patterns poster to put in your classroom!  Click the download button at the bottom of the post!

To see out the rest of this resource, check out my All About Patterns Math Activities.

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progress monitoring in the early elementary classroom for math, literacy and reading

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