Early Math Counts

posted by Debbie Lee

So far I have written about patterns that involved objects you can pick up and manipulate. Those are usually what we think of first when we think of patterns. Patterns, however, are so much more than that!

The old children’s song “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” is a pattern. You and the children can make up patterns using various forms of movement. Hop, twist, hands on shoulders; hop, twist, hands on shoulders is an ABC pattern of movements. If you want to keep the children seated on the floor or chairs, you can use less grand movements. Touch ears, pound on chest, flap arms is also an ABC pattern. The various movements are limited only by the various body parts that can be used and your and the children’s imaginations of what can be done with them.

 

                               

 

 

 

 

Remember with all forms of patterns it is best to start with the simpler forms. Do ABAB patterns first; then progress to ABB, AAB, and ABC. If your children are starting to catch on, think about longer patterns such as ABBC or ABCD.

It helps when you are doing the patterns to describe them aloud and not just do the movement itself. This helps those who learn best through what they hear. You are reaching those who are more auditory learners and with this form of pattern you are also engaging young children who are kinesthetic learners and find it difficult to sit quietly.

Patterns do not always have to be a special time set aside just for math skills. If the children in your care are having troubles sitting still to listen to a book or do another sedimentary activity, take a quick break to do a movement pattern. Stand up, jump, clap, twist, jump, clap, twist for a minute or two and the children will find it easier to sit and you will have provided a quick “lesson” on patterns.

As with the other forms of patterns, don’t forget to have the children first copy your pattern. Once confident, have them extend the pattern. Do tap head, touch chin, hug self, tap head, touch chin…..what comes next? What comes after that? Have the children extend the pattern through at least two repeats so that they can show that they are truly understanding what the pattern is.

 

                                       

 

 

 

 

Lastly, don’t forget to have the children create their own patterns. Have a child suggest a pattern, name it first by its movements and then by its type (ABAB, etc.). Then have the other children (and you!) copy it. Give each child a chance to create a pattern of movements to share with the others. You can also use this as an educational “filler” – for lack of a better word. When you have a few minutes to fill, have the children take turns creating patterns that the others can do. This makes these short periods of time between activities more than just ways to bridge activities but also gives these moments educational value.

As in past weeks, I encourage you to share in the comments section how you have been using movements to make patterns with the children you serve. Everyone has great ideas – share them!