Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R
Patterns: simple repeating patterns with objects – Week 8 focus
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Patterns: simple repeating patterns with objects – Week 8 focus
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Mathematics
Class: Grade R
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Theme: General lesson support
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Patterns are everywhere! Learning about patterns helps us understand the world around us and predict what might come next. From the colours of the houses in our street to the beat of a catchy Gqom song, patterns make our lives more interesting and predictable. For our Grade R learners, understanding patterns is a foundational skill for later mathematical concepts like sequencing, algebra, and problem-solving. This week, we will focus on simple repeating patterns made with objects. This skill is crucial because it builds visual discrimination, logical thinking, and early mathematical literacy.
A pattern is a sequence of objects, colours, shapes, or sounds that repeat in a predictable way. A repeating pattern is a pattern where the same sequence of elements is repeated over and over. Let's use some everyday objects to understand patterns. Imagine we have some red and blue building blocks.
Example 1: ABAB Pattern We can create a pattern like this: Red Block, Blue Block, Red Block, Blue Block. We say this is an AB pattern because we can call the Red Block "A" and the Blue Block "B".
The rule of the pattern is: "Red, then Blue, then Red, then Blue…" Example 2: ABCABC Pattern Let's use three different objects: a Yellow crayon, a Green leaf, and a Brown stone.
We can create a pattern like this: Yellow Crayon, Green Leaf, Brown Stone, Yellow Crayon, Green Leaf, Brown Stone. We say this is an ABC pattern because we can call the Yellow Crayon "A", the Green Leaf "B", and the Brown Stone "C".
The rule of the pattern is: "Yellow crayon, then green leaf, then brown stone, and we repeat those three." Example 3: AABAAB Pattern Let's use two different kinds of beads: two Red beads and one Blue bead.
We can create a pattern like this: Red Bead, Red Bead, Blue Bead, Red Bead, Red Bead, Blue Bead. We say this is an AAB pattern because we can call the Red bead "A" and the Blue bead "B".
The rule of the pattern is: "Red bead, red bead, then blue bead, and we repeat those three." Important Ideas: Core of the Pattern: The part of the pattern that repeats is called the "core." In the ABAB pattern, the core is "Red Block, Blue Block." In the ABCABC pattern, the core is "Yellow Crayon, Green Leaf, Brown Stone." Predicting the Next Element: Once you know the core of a pattern, you can predict what comes next. If you have Red Block, Blue Block, Red Block, Blue Block… you know the next block will be Red! Why is this important for South African learners? Think about the patterns in Ndebele art, or the patterns in the Zulu beadwork. Recognizing patterns helps us to appreciate the beauty and mathematical thinking behind these traditions. Understanding patterns is not just about math; it's also about connecting to our cultural heritage. Also, many traditional children's games involve patterns and sequencing, e.g. clapping games. Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Question 1: What comes next in this pattern? Apple, Banana, Apple, Banana, ____?
Solution: This is an AB pattern where Apple = A and Banana =
B. The pattern is Apple, Banana, Apple, Banana...
Therefore, the next fruit is an Apple.
Commentary: This question helps learners identify the repeating core of a simple AB pattern. The use of familiar fruits makes it relatable.
Question 2: Draw the next shape in this pattern: Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, ____?
Solution: This is an ABC pattern where Circle = A, Square = B, and Triangle = C. The pattern is Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square...
Therefore, the next shape is a Triangle.
Commentary: This question encourages visual recognition and extension of an ABC pattern. Drawing the shape reinforces the connection between the visual representation and the pattern.
Question 3: What colour comes next? Red, Blue, Blue, Red, Blue, Blue, ____?
Solution: This is an AAB pattern where Red = A and Blue =
B. The pattern is Red, Blue, Blue, Red, Blue, Blue...
Therefore, the next colour is Red.
Commentary: This introduces a slightly more complex pattern (AAB), still using familiar colours.
Question 4: I have two cups, a spoon and a plate.
I'm making a pattern: Cup, Cup, Spoon, Plate, Cup, Cup, Spoon, ____. What comes next?
Solution: This is an AABC pattern where Cup = A, Spoon = B, and Plate = C. The pattern is Cup, Cup, Spoon, Plate, Cup, Cup, Spoon,...
Therefore, the next item is a Plate.
Commentary: This introduces an AABC pattern, expanding complexity incrementally. Independent Practice (Questions Only)
Continue this pattern: Blue car, Red car, Blue car, Red car, ____, ____. What is the next object? Stone, Leaf, Stick, Stone, Leaf, ____.
Complete the pattern: Clap, Stamp, Clap, Stamp, ____, ____. What comes next? Triangle, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, ____.
Thandi is making a pattern with her toys: Doll, Car, Teddy, Doll, Car, ____. What toy is next?
Finish the pattern: Yellow flower, Red flower, Yellow flower, Red flower, Yellow flower, ____. What is the next shape? Circle, Square, Circle, Square, Circle, Square,____.
Continue this pattern: Bead, Bead, Button, Bead, Bead, ____.
Draw the next two shapes: Star, Moon, Star, Moon, ____, ____.
Complete the sequence with colours: Green, Orange, Green, Orange, Green, ____.