Patterns and Measurement in Math

In December we focused on patterns in math. We looked at patterns on the pocket chart, predicting what would come next. We made pattern block snakes, which we glued on a cardboard strip. While many patterns are based on color and shape, we also looked at up/down patterns and 1/2 patterns (similar to a hopscotch pattern). Children played games with each other by making a pattern, covering it with paper cups and asking their partner to figure out what would come next. The pictures show this game called What's Next? Children also practiced adding on a unit to a train. Units are tricky ideas. Children understand the idea of what comes next in a pattern on a block by block basis. Considering a unit, which may consist of two or three blocks (red, yellow, blue) is harder. Now a group of three blocks is being counted as ONE. It's hard to wrap your mind around one now meaning three blocks. We also broke these trains into cars, figuring out where each unit began and ended. Some kids did great with this.

In January we have moved onto Measurement. We have measured our shoes and compared our feet. We have been measuring a lot of small objects using unifix cubes, and craft sticks to measure longer lines around the classroom.