Sign in or 
Location: Bridges Math Science Partnership Home
Discussion: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Category:
Discussion Forum /
WOES PLC
Share this|
marthalevey352 |
Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Jan 4 2010, 7:02 PM EST
Thought the article was interesting. Most of the patterns I have students create/extend are somewhat "fixed" - like AB, or AAB, etc. Plan on trying an "open" pattern that grows. I like asking open-ended questions to my students. I'm always amazed how at such a young age they are reluctant to answer because they want to make sure they have the right answer. They don't seem to be used to having to explain how they got their answer. Just my thoughts......
Do you find this valuable?
Keyword tags:
None
|
|
aliciawilliams352 |
1. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Jan 6 2010, 1:32 PM EST
I agree with Martha that we mainly require our Kindergarten students to create and extend AB, ABB, AAB and ABC patterns using manipulative blocks vs. asking them to complete the patterns mainly mentioned in the article. We do complete some activities --worksheets--which require the students to not only complete the pattern correctly but manipulate each piece as to whether the hat is facing up or facing down on the paper. (Sorry if that doesn't make sense to everyone ---I can show you an actual example if you would like.) On another note, I want to comment that reading the article reminded me of the importance of teaching patterns and how useful they are in daily life. We all know that patterns are a crucial component of math at all grade levels but I forget how much I rely on patterning to complete everyday tasks.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
debbielong352 |
2. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Jan 6 2010, 5:00 PM EST
After reading the article, I noticed the children were trying to find patterns in so many things we were doing~the weather graph, a shirt in a book, etc. I have had parents say that their children were always looking for patterns in things at home or on television.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
pbenson352 |
3. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Jan 10 2010, 9:41 PM EST
As a third grade teacher, I expect my students to already be well versed in indentifying all sorts of patterns, but that is not always the case. I appreciate this article in helping me understand how my students are thinking. I hope that I will be able to become aware of this earlier with each student and be able to build on the information my students already know.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
jpage352 |
4. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Jan 11 2010, 6:07 PM EST
I like the idea of using a broad/general question to begin the dialogue of the growth patterns. Also, I can see where it's important to use growth patterns that show recognizable figures as opposed to abstract figures. Variety ... differentiation.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
mweiss352 |
5. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Jan 11 2010, 9:27 PM EST
I agree with my team mates that asking open ended questions to begin the dialogue encourages better thinking of our students. I find that I personally and noticing more patterns myself and encourage my students to find patterns in the world around them, not just in math.
Do you find this valuable?
|
khughes352 |
6. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Feb 1 2010, 10:51 PM EST
"After reading the article, I noticed the children were trying to find patterns in so many things we were doing~the weather graph, a shirt in a book, etc. I have had parents say that their children were always looking for patterns in things at home or on television. "What I find so interesting is that we all think in such different ways. Not only do my students see patterns in so many things, they see the patterns grow or change in ways that I don't see right away. I love our brains and how they work so differently. Our students are so smart and I love seeing them learn! Do you find this valuable? |
GinaDunn |
7. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Feb 2 2010, 4:06 PM EST
I am always amazed at the answers I receive when I ask open ended questions to students who are working in the patterning centers. Lots of times the students can create and extend the pattern. They have a difficult time answering questions about how they created and extended the pattern. It made me step back a little and have them create, extend and write about a pattern they created. It is hard to put it into words for our little ones at times.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
ssawyers352 |
8. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Feb 2 2010, 7:28 PM EST
It is so easy to underestimate what children can grasp. It is also very hard to let our students have the time necessary to analyze and discover concepts through questioning and exploration because our curriculum is so demanding. I also love to watch how the students think and respond in a way that I never thought of.
Do you find this valuable?
|
ahenderson352 |
9. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Feb 2 2010, 8:16 PM EST
No matter what age children I've worked with, I have always loved watching them understand and produce patterns, whether it be in math or language arts. I agree with you all in that young students are able to visualize, create, and extend patterns at such a young age that it continually impresses me. It is definitely a challenge for five and six year old students to produce an written or verbal explanation for the pattern continuation. Teaching third grade, the children are more verbal and as the article notes, the dialogue is more important for them to focus on. They need to be able to analyze what changes, whether it be for a Words Their Way spelling pattern, data table to produce a graph, or using pattern blocks to produce geometric patterns.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
lorieverett352 |
10. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Feb 2 2010, 8:26 PM EST
Having taught both third grade and kindergarten I can see the many ways children process patterns. I would love to put a growth pattern on the board or any algebraic pattern on the board and challenge my students to figure it out by the end of the day. The younger students will find patterns in many things, even in things we aren't looking for.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
jhooley352 |
11. RE: Algebraic Thinking and Pictorial Growth Patterns
Mar 28 2010, 7:50 PM EDT
This highlights for me even more strongly that our math textbooks are lacking in this area. Our students will only look beyond the face value if we give them the freedom to do so. This is why I love supplementing with SuperStars and Challenge Math. We focus on higher order thinking skills and I find that applying this to math sparks the most amazing conversations. I only wish we had time in the day to "talk" even more about math. The freedom allowed in a conversation is so important because it frees the students to analyze concepts without fear and to piggyback off of each other's ideas.
Do you find this valuable?
|
