Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Find and talk about simple patterns.
• Continue a pattern by adding the next object.
• Make our own simple patterns.
• Copy a simple pattern.

Lesson summary

Patterns are all around us! From the colours of the Ndebele houses to the rhythm of a Zulu dance, South Africa is rich in patterns. Understanding patterns helps us predict what comes next, make sense of the world, and even build important math skills later on. In Grade R, we're starting with simple patterns made of objects. This helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Recognising patterns is a fundamental skill that will assist them in higher grades with subjects such as algebra and geometry. Learning about patterns also reinforces their ability to observe, compare, and classify, which are all important for developing their cognitive skills.

Lesson notes

What is a Pattern? A pattern is something that repeats. In mathematics, patterns are sequences of objects, shapes, numbers, or events that follow a specific rule. The rule tells us how the pattern is made and what will come next. For this lesson, we'll focus on visual patterns using objects. These objects can be anything – blocks, beads, pictures, or even themselves! Repeating Patterns A repeating pattern is a pattern where a sequence of objects (the "unit") is repeated over and over again. The key is to identify the repeating unit. Identifying the Repeating Unit The repeating unit is the smallest part of the pattern that keeps repeating. Let's look at some examples using objects that are familiar to South African learners: Example 1: Bead Necklace Imagine a necklace made of beads with the following pattern: Red bead, Blue bead, Red bead, Blue bead, Red bead, Blue bead… Objects: Red bead, Blue bead Repeating Unit: Red bead, Blue bead (This is the part that keeps repeating)

Example 2: Fruit Salad You have a fruit salad with the following pattern: Apple slice, Banana slice, Apple slice, Banana slice, Apple slice, Banana slice… Objects: Apple slice, Banana slice Repeating Unit: Apple slice, Banana slice Example 3: Colourful Building Blocks Building a tower with blocks in this pattern: Green block, Yellow block, Blue block, Green block, Yellow block, Blue block… Objects: Green block, Yellow block, Blue block Repeating Unit: Green block, Yellow block, Blue block Example 4: Flag Pattern Consider arranging flags in the following order: South African Flag, Rainbow Nation Flag, South African Flag, Rainbow Nation Flag...

Objects: South African Flag, Rainbow Nation Flag Repeating Unit: South African Flag, Rainbow Nation Flag How to Extend a Pattern To extend a pattern, first, you need to figure out the repeating unit. Once you know the unit, just repeat it!

Example 1 (Extending the Bead Necklace): We know the repeating unit is "Red bead, Blue bead".

If the necklace looks like this: Red bead, Blue bead, Red bead, Blue bead, what comes next? The answer is Red bead, Blue bead. Example 2 (Extending the Building Blocks Tower): We know the repeating unit is "Green block, Yellow block, Blue block." If the tower is: Green block, Yellow block, Blue block, Green block, Yellow block, what comes next? The answer is Blue block. Creating Your Own Patterns The best part about patterns is that you can create your own! Choose your objects (buttons, leaves, rocks, crayons – anything!), decide on your repeating unit, and make a pattern.

Example: Objects: Leaf, Rock Repeating Unit: Leaf, Rock, Rock Pattern: Leaf, Rock, Rock, Leaf, Rock, Rock… Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Look at this pattern: Circle, Square, Circle, Square, Circle… What shape comes next?

Solution: Objects: Circle, Square Repeating Unit: Circle, Square The pattern is repeating "Circle, Square". So, after Circle, comes Square.

Question 2: You have these beads: Red, Yellow, Blue, Red, Yellow… What colour bead comes next?

Solution: Objects: Red, Yellow, Blue Repeating Unit: Red, Yellow, Blue The pattern is repeating "Red, Yellow, Blue". So, after Red, Yellow, comes Blue.

Question 3: Here's a pattern with fruits: Banana, Orange, Banana, Orange… Draw what fruit should come next.

Solution: Objects: Banana, Orange Repeating Unit: Banana, Orange The pattern is repeating "Banana, Orange". So, after Banana, Orange, comes Banana.

Question 4: We have the following blocks in a pattern: Green, Blue, Red, Green, Blue... Which colour block comes next?

Solution: Objects: Green, Blue, Red Repeating Unit: Green, Blue, Red The pattern is repeating "Green, Blue, Red".

Therefore, after Green, Blue comes Red. Independent Practice (Questions Only)

Look at the following pattern: Triangle, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, Square… What shape comes next?

Here is a pattern with crayons: Red, Blue, Yellow, Red, Blue… What colour crayon comes next? I am making a pattern with leaves and sticks: Leaf, Stick, Leaf, Stick, Leaf… What comes next?

Draw the next shape in the pattern: Star, Moon, Star, Moon, Star...

Complete the following pattern: Red button, Blue button, Red button, Blue button, ____ What comes next in the pattern: Clap, Stomp, Clap, Stomp, ____ Here are building blocks: Yellow, Green, Green, Yellow, Green, Green…What colour should the next block be? Copy and extend the pattern by adding two more objects. Apple, Orange, Apple, Orange, ____, ____