Patterned

A very significant Pre-math concept for kids to understand is patterns. Patterns are easy to make with anything you have on hand (fork, spoon, spoon, fork, spoon, spoon, etc), and can provide hours of entertainment for you and your child.

Work with your child on creating an extending patterns. Take turns starting a pattern and finishing it. For example, maybe you start a pattern first, then have your child extend it, then let your child start a pattern, and you extend it.

You should also help your child be able to start a pattern that you state. For example, you say “Can you make me a pattern that goes fork, knife, fork, knife?” And your child should be able to display that pattern for you.

I am working on creating some fun use-at-home math games and manipulatives that should be available soon.

Are there any concepts you would specifically like to have manipulatives for?

If you have questions, you can ask them in the comments, email me, ask on Facebook, or on Twitter. I am on Facebook and Twitter live from 3:00-3:30 pm Mon-Thurs MDT.