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The Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute (DMTI) is dedicated to enhancing students’ learning of mathematics by supporting educators in the implementation of research-based instructional strategies through high-quality professional development. For more information contact Dr. Brendefur at
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Geometry
Supplemental Module
Pattern block mats
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Using this module
These pattern block tasks are similar to those found in Grades K-2 unit modules.
Students at multiple grade levels can engage with these tasks in small groups or as a center during work station rotations.
If students in Grades 3-6 use these tasks, the entire figure on the mat (e.g. the “Cat”) could be considered a whole unit of one. However, the white rhombus pattern block does not have a clearly equivalent fractional relationship to the other remaining pieces. Neither will the orange square pattern block. In order to use figures that require these pattern blocks while trying to address fractions, these figures may need to be renamed as another fractional amount.
Students in grades 3-6 could instead look for measurements such as perimeter by measuring the side lengths or the area of the figures by tracing them on graph paper and estimating the fractional square units required to cover the area of the figure.
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4. Activity: Composing Shapes with Pattern Blocks in Multiple Ways
Directions:
Print each pattern block mat by printing each individual slide. Students can work in pairs or individually on these tasks. This is an ideal small group or center activity.
Students are given the task to “cover” the mat with pattern blocks. Because there are no outlines of pattern blocks to guide students, they are likely to find different combinations than their classmates. Students should be encouraged to compare their compositions.
Student can be asked to represent the number of each shape they used to cover the mat on the graph provided as the “Extension Activity” and then share the graph with a peer. The challenge is for students to try to re-create the covering of each mat using their classmate’s graph as a guide.
*all blacklines modified from those provided by Prekinders.com
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Cat
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Rabbit
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Turtle
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Caterpillar
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Penguin
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Horse
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Graph SAMPLE
SAMPLE
Students can record the number of each pattern block they use by marking each shape with an “X” or “O” as show below. X X X X X X X X
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Pattern Block Graph
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Brendefur and Strother (2017). DMTI Inc.
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