Patterns and Relationships: Here, There & Everywhere

In this math activity, learners use a variety of sensory modalities to gain experiences with identifying, describing and creating repeating patterns. Learners read and act out the book, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do you See?" to explore word patterns in literature. They investigate musical sounds and rhythms by playing keyboards and water glass xylophones. Using tempera paints and sponge shapes, learners also create wrapping paper by repeating shape and color patterns. Even the sense of taste is used in pattern explorations as learners make fruit shish kabobs that have a definitive repeating pattern. Learners are also challenged to find patterns in nature as they examine a snake's skin and discuss patterns in other animals. These activities can be set up as centers or facilitated individually.