This Spring term, Hamilton Class has been busy developing their mathematical thinking by exploring the concept of patterns. We began our journey by defining what a pattern is: a sequence that repeats over and over again. Our learning started with AB patterns. The children identified that two different elements are required to create a repeating sequence. Once we made our AB pattern, we progressed to ABC patterns!
During our group discussions, the children used their “thinking hats” to compare the two. They made the brilliant deduction that to move from an AB to an ABC pattern, they needed to introduce a third component into the sequence before it repeats again.
We also explored the idea that patterns are not just made with objects—they can be found in colours, shapes, and sizes. This led Hamilton Class to create their own “Pattern Caterpillars.” Using primary colours and cardboard tissue rolls as stamps, the children carefully planned their sequences, some AB and some ABC. The children found this hands-on activity incredibly engaging, and their colourful caterpillar displays have done a wonderful job of brightening up our classroom. It has been fantastic to see the children identifying patterns in the world around them!
