Pattern Block Activities for Kids
Pattern blocks are tools that can be moved and manipulated into various shapes, patterns and designs to reinforce math concepts. The blocks provide a hands-on learning and teaching method to reach all learners in a visual, kinesthetic and interpersonal manner. Allow the students to experiment with the pattern blocks before instructing each to perform a learned task or display a concept visually.
-
Making a Pattern
-
Use pattern blocks with children in preschool or primary grades to create a pattern. Line up the blocks into a repeating pattern such as red square, yellow triangle and blue rectangle, and repeat the set to display the method for making a pattern. Lengthen the set of repeating blocks to five or more shapes for advanced learners or shorten it to two shapes for those just learning the concept of mathematical patterns.
Measurement
-
Draw or print a rectangle, square and triangle onto a piece of paper and allow the students to fill in the larger paper shape with pattern blocks to find the area. Use square blocks to line the outer lines of the paper shape to find the perimeter. Any pattern block can double as a non-standard unit of measurement in finding the length or width of various classroom objects such as a pencil, chalkboard eraser, pair or scissors or the length of the bulletin board.
-
Symmetry
-
For introductory learners, integrate a simple symmetry lesson with pattern blocks and a piece of string or pipe cleaner. Instruct each student to find one line of symmetry in each of the pattern blocks by laying the string in its center, ensuring that each side of the block is exactly the same shape as the other. Advanced learners may create their own shapes with various types of pattern block shapes and find its vertical, horizontal and potentially diagonal lines of symmetry.
Fractions
-
Arrange nine pattern-block squares into one larger square as an opportunity to discuss fractions. Ask students to count the number of smaller squares making up the larger square, and instruct each to separate the squares into three groups or thirds. One-third of the larger square equals three smaller squares. Rectangles can be made with squares as well and can be divided into halves when using 12 smaller squares. Challenge each student to create her
own shape and fractional amounts by experimenting with various shapes that divide each larger shape.
Pattern Block Art
-
Encourage each child to create a picture from pattern blocks coinciding with any upcoming holidays, learned geometric shapes or a free-art design. Make a side-facing turkey with a trapezoid body connected to a triangle beak and diamond-shaped blocks as feathers along the longer edge of the trapezoid. Form a six-pointed star shape with a hexagon and six small triangles touching each of the hexagon's sides. Allow the children to use their creativity to form the pattern blocks into the first letter of their names or a complicated design.
-
References
- Rice University Department of Mathematics: No Matter What Shape Your Fractions Are In; Cynthia Lanius
- George Mason University: What's My Number?
- Scholastic: "Pattern Block Activities"; Marilyn Burns; March, 2005
- Kindergarten Lessons: "Kindergarten Pattern Activities"; Patricia Bentham
- Kelly's Kindergarten: Math Activities
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
