So in 3 months today the big day will be here, and all the excitement will be happening/close to over. I have mixed feelings about this. BUT you have no idea how much I love colour. Which means you have no idea how much I love teaching repeating patterns – and how much extra I can squeeze into this topic! So let’s get started with this post from our Christmas in the Classroom Series: repeating patterns.
Christmas in the Classroom: Repeating Patterns
Maths – Space, Shape and Measure
- I know, I know it is a pretty obvious place to start – repeating patterns is part of the SSM curriculum. However, do you know why? Well let me inform you! If a child can continue and spot repeating patterns they are more likely to be able to be comptent at algebra in later life. Yes, yes there are many links!
- Don’t limit the children to repeating colours (although that is a fabulous place to start). You could use 2d shapes.
- 3d shapes
- Clothing
- Construction toys (duplo, wooden brick, duplo, wooden brick)
- Natural objects found in the outside areas
- Beads and threads
- Christmas decorations
- Santa and elves
- and of course the children themselves.
Art and Design
- Colour is the obvious choice, and I love to let the kids finger paint their patterns.
- Use the theme to create paperchains to decorate the classroom.
- Or gift wrap
- or Christmas cards
Mastery
- Identify the Primary and Seconday colours
- Colour mixing
- Making shades of colours
- Complex repeating patterns that have 2 simultaneous repeats such as yellow square, yellow heart, pink square, pink heart, yellow square etc
Some of my favourite Pinterest ideas:
(Click to go to the websites)
My favourite pattern resources on twinkl:
Developing and understanding and starting to investigate:
and one that fits the 12 days of Christmas theme and repeating patterns. Am I good to you or what?
Have you any favourite repeating pattern resources you love to use? Don’t forget to like, comment and sign up for content updates!
Other posts in the Celebrating Christmas in the Classroom series:
Should I Buy Presents for the Children in my Class?
***I am lucky enough to have a Premium Platinum Account with teaching resource website twinkl. I already had an account and happily paid for it, but now twinkl have given me a free subscription in return for my reviews. Don’t be fooled though – all thoughts and opinion are my own! I just happen to be a big fan.***