Form I Number: Patterns: Part One: Application and Extension of Patterns (Pre K-2)
Unifix Snap and Clap Patterns To extend the Tap and Clap Patterns, write out cards with various combinations of A-B patterns, such as ABBA or AAABA. Have students take these cards and translate the patterns into Unifix cube colors, deciding for themselves what color is A and what is B.
Border Patterns
Necklace Patterns
Macaroni Patterns
Have your students make pattern cards using macaroni of different shapes and colors. You can use the pasta from the above activity or buy a bag of multi-color/shape pasta.
Pattern Block Walls
You don't have to confine yourself to lying pattern blocks flat on the table to explore patterns. Stand pattern blocks up into walls in patterns of choice. These patterns can be extended as long as desired. These can also be recorded by drawing and coloring them or with paper shapes on card strips. These cards, once finished, can then be analyzed and identify them with A-B-C. Then as a game, they can use the cards to make each other's patterns.
Geoboard-Unifix Patterns
Geoboard Sequences
For this activity, you will need to make up some cards in advance with part of a geometric design on them. These designs are then copied onto the Geoboard and then extended or finished by the student.
Pattern Blocks
Your students can also use these A-B pattern cards with pattern blocks (plastic blocks of different shapes and colors.) They are to discover the pattern, continued it, and then copy the same pattern with Unifix cubes. They can then go on to make their own pattern cards. Have colored shapes made from construction paper that match the pattern blocks available. Your students then can make up their own patterns and glue identical paper shapes onto cards. On future days they can build and extend the patterns that others have made.
Your students can also use these A-B pattern cards with pattern blocks (plastic blocks of different shapes and colors.) They are to discover the pattern, continued it, and then copy the same pattern with Unifix cubes. They can then go on to make their own pattern cards. Have colored shapes made from construction paper that match the pattern blocks available. Your students then can make up their own patterns and glue identical paper shapes onto cards. On future days they can build and extend the patterns that others have made.
Dot Pattern Cards
Dot Pattern Cards
Next make some cards that have a row of dots on them. On some of them make up your own patterns going in and out, above and below the dots. Your student's task is to take these cards and continue the pattern on cards with just the dots. On future days they can make up their own patterns for others to copy.
Border Patterns
Exploring patterns can be a lot of fun by making border pattern mats. These mats can be made with construction paper. Have students make patterns made with shapes around the edges of a piece of construction paper.
Necklace Patterns
Pasta can by dyed by mixing 1 Tab. of alcohol, a few drops of food coloring and some pasta in a glass jar. Screw the lid on tightly and shake until all the pasta is coated. Let the pasta dry on a large sheets of paper or newspaper. Kids love to help with this. On the next day, you can have your students string the pasta in patterns. The pattern is to be repeated over and over until the necklace is finished. Students may analyze the patterns of others' necklaces.
Macaroni Patterns
Have your students make pattern cards using macaroni of different shapes and colors. You can use the pasta from the above activity or buy a bag of multi-color/shape pasta.
Once they are dry, they can be analyzed together for their patterns (ABBABBABB, ABCABCABC, etc.) and then also, new patterns. Can they follow patterns that the others have made? How many new patterns can be created? Can a pattern be made with three colors? Can two different shapes be used to make a pattern? Can a pattern be made with a change in position or one using two sizes? Your job as facilitator in this exercise is to support them in their explorations and if you think they are ready, to help them explore new avenues.
Junk Pattern Cards
Just like the Macaroni Cards, your students can use other junk box materials (beans, buttons, nature study finds, etc.) to make the same sort of patterns, and then also, new patterns.
Pattern Block Walls
You don't have to confine yourself to lying pattern blocks flat on the table to explore patterns. Stand pattern blocks up into walls in patterns of choice. These patterns can be extended as long as desired. These can also be recorded by drawing and coloring them or with paper shapes on card strips. These cards, once finished, can then be analyzed and identify them with A-B-C. Then as a game, they can use the cards to make each other's patterns.
Geoboard-Unifix Patterns
Students roll a die and make a pattern with that number using Unifix cubes onto the pegs of a Geoboard. These patterns can be written down on Geoboard Dot Paper and then another student can copy the same pattern.
For this activity, you will need to make up some cards in advance with part of a geometric design on them. These designs are then copied onto the Geoboard and then extended or finished by the student.
Any acceptable extension of the pattern is correct. Either of these choices is a fine way of extended the pattern.
