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Tag: math patterns

Pom Pom Patterns

Pom Pom Patterns

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Mathematics has been described as the science of pattern.  That’s because pattern is the foundation of all work done in math and is the thread that binds all parts of mathematics together. Through recognizing, describing, extending, and generalizing patterns in quantities, numbers, shapes, and space, we learn that there is a sense of order and predictability to math. We come to realize that the rules and procedures that we are so used to using actually evolved as efficient ways to…

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Pocket Chart Sorting and Classifying in Grades K-1

Pocket Chart Sorting and Classifying in Grades K-1

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Got lots of left-over greeting cards? Here’s one fun way I found to use them with kindergarten and first graders. I sort the cards into two categories and the students try and figure out my rule. In the example above, I sorted the cards into pumpkins and hearts. It was pretty easy for students to figure that one out. But, after that, they can get pretty tricky and student really need to look carefully for similarities within groups: cats vs…

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Number Theory: Square Numbers

Number Theory: Square Numbers

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Making rectangular arrays with tiles is a great visual way to have students understand multiplication as repeated addition. And since we’re making arrays anyway, why not tie in square numbers. A square number is: 1) A number that can be expressed as the product of the same two numbers. 2) The product of a number multiplied by itself. When making rectangluar arrays, square nuumbers (1, 4, 9, 16…) always make a square. Besides, there are some very neat patterns that…

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The Bad Numbers

The Bad Numbers

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It was 6:45 a.m. this morning when I heard the pitter-patter of little feet on the floor.  It was my 7-year old niece who was visiting for a few days.  I was shocked to see her peek into my office that early in the morning; I’ve seen her sleep til 10. But today was the last day of her short visit and I’m guessing she didn’t want to miss out on anything.  Ryan was up and fixing himself breakfast, John…

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Math Around Us

Math Around Us

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If we take the time to notice our surroundings, I think we may be surprised at just how much math we have in our every day environment.  Take the photo to the left.  It’s something most kids are familiar with.  But do they know that it represents the multiplication problem 4 x 6.  If they count the number of rows (4) and then multiply by the number of columns (6), they can quickly discover how many total eggs there are….

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