Explain and Illustrate how you would introduce Repeating Patterns to learners using concrete, semi concrete and abstract

1 answer

Repeating patterns are sequences that recur or repeat according to a specific rule. They can be found in math, art, and nature. To introduce repeating patterns to learners, we can use concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract methods. Here's an outline of how each method can be utilized:

1. Concrete Objects
Concrete objects are physical items learners can touch and manipulate. By using concrete objects, students can create and identify patterns through direct interaction.

Activities:
a. Manipulative Materials: Provide students with materials such as blocks, beads, or buttons in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Ask them to create a pattern by arranging the objects in a sequence that repeats.

For example: Red block, blue block, red block, blue block...

b. Nature Patterns: Go for a walk outside and ask students to observe and identify repeating patterns in nature, such as flower petals, patterns on animals' fur, or in how leaves grow on plants.

2. Semi-concrete (Pictorial)
The semi-concrete stage uses pictures or diagrams to represent objects or concepts. Students can visualize patterns without directly handling physical objects.

Activities:
a. Draw and Extend Patterns: Show students a simple pattern using images or drawings, such as circles and squares. Ask them to continue the pattern by adding the next couple of elements.

For example: ○ □ ○ □ ○ __ __ __

b. Pattern Worksheets: Provide worksheets with incomplete patterns using pictures or different shapes. Students should fill in the blanks with the correct image to complete the pattern.

For example: Triangle, square, triangle, square, __ , __ , __

3. Abstract (Numerical or Symbolic)
In the abstract stage, students work with numerical representations, symbols, or letters to identify and create patterns.

Activities:
a. Number Patterns: Introduce students to number patterns where they identify the rule governing the sequence and use it to predict the next numbers in the pattern.

For example: 2, 4, 6, 8, __ , __

b. Growing Patterns: Teach students about growing patterns, where each term in the sequence is created by applying a consistent rule to the previous term.

For example: 3, 6, 9, 12, __ , __

By moving through concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract methods of introducing repeating patterns, learners can develop a deeper understanding of the concept and build their ability to recognize and analyze patterns in various contexts.