How do patterns help children develop algebraic thinking and ideas?
Patterns are a foundation to helping students think algebraically. Practicing analyzing, organizing and recognizing patterns is a very important prerequisite to algebra. It is important to introduce students to patterns using pictorial models. Once students are able to recognize simple repeating patterns and identify the core, prompt children to think how they can extend a pattern, fill in a missing element, and to describe a pattern. It is very important to have the students explain their thinking. Growing patterns are a little bit more complex. They may be represented verbally, with pictures, or with simple symbols, and are typically numerical patterns. With growing patterns each successive term changes by the same amount from the preceding term. When a student explains their thinking about a pattern the teacher is able to informally asses the students progress. Also, students need to be aware that there is usually more than one way to explain a pattern.
Jana, This is a nice blog. The colors that you have selected are soothing and stress reducing. Your reflections are based on the readings and clearly connected---good connection to prior math based experiences.
ReplyDeleteDr. G