We use patterns everyday of our lives. We don't always think about them, but we use them. Children will learn about patterns all their lives as they develop their own. These math activities with patterns focus on concrete patterns that children can see. Knowing about these types of concepts sets them up to be able to understand the proper order of things as they get older, and to use deductive reasoning as they learn to answer the question of "what comes next" in the world of math. Try some of the activities below to help your child learn about patterns and deductive reasoning so that they can not only work on their math skills, but also see that math is not always where we expect it. Practicing these things at home will lend your child a sense of pride and relieve some math anxiety.
- Have your child help you with your laundry. Make a game out of sorting socks as you lay them out in a pattern and ask your child to find the sock that comes next.
- Make beaded necklaces with your children and make sure that the necklace they make follows a simple pattern that they have to repeat over and over again.
- List chores on a calendar. Rewrite their chores in the same order on the same day of the week. Become "forgetful" now and then and ask your child to remind you what comes next.
- Ask your child to help you set the table. As you set the table, forget to put a piece of silverware here and a plate there. Ask your child what is missing and have them help you to fill in the missing pieces.
- Have some fun with music. Ask your child to dance with you. Make up a dance that requires you both to do three simple steps that you repeat in the same order over and over again.
As you use these math activities with patterns, think about the things your child enjoys doing and how you can make a pattern of it. As he or she gets better at recognizing patterns, pretend that you have gotten worse. Have your child help you figure out the proper pattern of things. Not only does this help them develop their math skills, but it also helps to build confidence. Ask your child to make up a game about patterns. You might be surprised at how creative your kid can get!