Kid Math: A Book of Pattern Play and Activities

A-B-A-B-A A Book of Pattern Play (Math Is Categorical) by Brian P. Cleary was at the library.  My son loves patterns so I figured that we would bring it home and check out how they show patterns.  I didn't even open it so I was surprised on how perfectly it was written.

 In the book, there are pictures of patterns and defines patterns as something that "shows repeating in a certain type of way that helps you so you know what's next."  There are patterns with colors, shapes, and other things.  They show the design in a kitchen floor.  My son's favorite page was the one where they show an earlier page in the book.  He made us stop and turn back and see how they were the same pages.  It uses the page numbers for an example of numbers that you know what is going next.  Then, they count by twos and we talked about how those were even numbers.  After learning that, the obvious next one is learning odd numbers (even though the book doesn't introduce the term).  It talked about counting by 2's, 4's, 5's, 10's  or 20's so we stopped and did some counting by a few before continuing to finish the book.

If you want to count by different numbers, it is easier to start with 5's or 10's.  My son and I sat facing each other and did high fives.  If we were counting by 5's, then we did one hand at a time while we counted.  If we were counting by 10's, then we used both hands.  It was fun because there was counting and the clap that came with patting hands.  We have tried a few times to play this game because it is one that you always bring with you so we play it in the car while we are waiting for school or appointments. 

After we finished reading, my son was ready for some more activities.  I had planned on reading the book yet so I had to be quick on my feet.  I made a pattern on a scrap piece of paper and bingo "dotters."  These are very useful and you can pick them up for $1 at the dollar store and can be used for lots of different crafts.

My son had a blast with it and finishing the pattern on the different lines.  It gave me a chance to draw a second pattern page.

I was going to use stickers for a third one but then I found the page in one of his activity books which he enjoyed completing.  Of course, they used the star which was hard to draw so we did a practice of a way to make a star easily.  He enjoyed the patterns and making his own.

The great part was that a pattern can be with shapes or colors.  If you want to make it more complicated, it can be with letters or numbers.  We did the patterns with all of the different options that I could think of before moving on to the next fun activity!!  I hope that you pick up this book and plan a few great activities that your kids will enjoy.  Mine loves patterns and thoroughly enjoyed the whole activity.  I hope that yours will too!!

If you want lots of fun activities and information, check out the authors website here for coloring pages, posters, and other activities to go with his whole line of great kids books.  I can't wait to check out some of his other books soon!!

Shared at High Hill Home School