Patterns, Shapes, Evens & Odds…Oh My!

The last two weeks have been great for our math-minded students. We spent time deepening our knowledge about patterns, shapes, and even & odd numbers.

We spent time identifying, analyzing, and extending repeating and growing patterns. Students used colors, numbers, letters, and shape manipulatives to expand their knowledge in this area. Patterns are increasingly important to students because they organize their world through the use of them. Their school day follows a schedule and their home lives resemble a pattern of daily routines. An understanding of patterns leads to the mathematical idea of functions for children. This will prepare them for algebra in the upper grades.

Through our examination of plane geometric shapes, students were able to use geoboards, take a shape walk through our division, make shape bugs, and create innovative art pieces. Gaining an understanding of basic geometric shapes and terms offer our students the opportunity to use a different type of mathematical thinking. Although geometric thinking is related to numerical thinking, becoming familiar with shapes and developing spatial reasoning skills will lay the foundation of understanding in math, science, art, & social studies.

While students were busy looking at shapes and patterns, they stumbled upon skip counting and even & odd numbers. This is another attribute of number sense that will lead to an understanding of halves and doubles computation. We are extremely excited to see students beginning to understand the relationship between the numerical and spatial concepts being taught and making connections that will provide the foundation for future math success.