Education Blog by DUO Inspirations Introduces the Introductory Pattern Pack

Hi friends,

     How are you today?  Today’s Education Blog by DUO Inspirations is about patterns, specifically in teaching patterns.  We see patterns every day.  Some we like and appreciate and some we don’t.  Some patterns are simple and some are complex.  Some patterns are man-made and some patterns are God-made.  


     Noticing, identifying, and appreciating patterns are all important skills in life. They will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of things around us.  The ability to find and understand patterns often helps us to learn faster or appreciate more.

     So, how do we teach patterns?  Often we start by helping students understand a simple A-B pattern.  The pattern could literally be A, B, A, B, A, B…. and on and on. It could also be any alternating pattern.  The A-B pattern could be a number pattern, such as 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2…and on and on. It could be a color pattern, such as blue, red, blue, red, blue, red, blue, red…and on and on.  It could be a sound pattern, such as snap, clang, snap, clang, snap, clang…and on and on.  It can be a movement pattern, such as clap, jump, clap, jump, clap, jump, and so on.  

   Some may think that patterns are monotonous, boring, or even frustrating. However, it doesn’t have to be so. Teaching and learning patterns can be a very exciting experience.  It is all in the presentation and in the attitude.

     It may be tempting to just give students a piece of paper with patterns on it and ask the students to finish the patterns.  This may be helpful at times, but it isn’t the only exercise in teaching or learning patterns.  Paper pattern activities are most helpful in practicing and assessing pattern recognition skills.

     Ask the students to come up with a pattern for others to complete.  Choose some patterns that students can act out. Choose patterns that might sound like a tongue twister, especially if they are said quickly.  Maybe have the pattern being a speaking pattern and let the words be slippery slippers.  (This gets even more exciting when the pattern gets more complex than A-B.)

     Once students learn to recognize and identify and A-B pattern, maybe go on to other patterns such as an A-A-B pattern, and A-B-B pattern, or an A-B-C pattern. 

     While we are on the subject of teaching and assessing pattern recognition, I want to tell you about the "Introductory Pattern Pack".  The “Introductory Pattern Pack” includes three simple fill in the squares to complete the pattern activities as well as a blank template, so you can make your own patterns.  Use the “Introductory Pattern Pack” to assess whether students understand pattern recognition.  Pattern recognition activities such as in the “Introductory Pattern Pack” not only assess pattern recognition understanding, but also encourage early problem solving skills.

     To browse DUO Inspirations' selection of Educational Resources, click here.

Now, it is your turn.
     I appreciate you being here.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.  Do you teach pattern recognition?  Are you looking for educational resources?  How can DUO Inspirations help you in your educational journey?  Please, comment your thoughts, ideas, questions, and suggestions below or feel free to contact me.  Thank you.  Also, if you haven't already, please consider signing up below to get the Education Blog by DUO Inspirations and other education content sent directly to your inbox.

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