Unit 1: Number Patterns
Your child’s class is starting a mathematics unit on number patterns. Patterns surround us — they are in the games we play, the routes we take to school, and the routines we have each day. Patterns help us make sense of the world we live in and allow us to pose and solve problems.
Patterns occur regularly in mathematics and can be represented by numbers, words, pictures, and models. As children learn to identify, extend, and create patterns, they develop powerful skills that will help them make sense of mathematics and science.
In this unit, your child will:
• Find a pattern rule for a number pattern.
• Identify, extend, and create patterns.
• Describe and model patterns.
• Use patterns to pose and solve problems.
• Use patterns in a table to make predictions.
Patterns occur in many forms. Ask your child to describe some of the patterns she or he has learned. See if your child can give examples of them. Often, adults use tables and spreadsheets to organize data at work. Encourage your child to explain how she or he uses tables to organize and analyse patterns. As you look through the newspaper, discuss the patterns in the business, sports, or entertainment sections.
Patterns occur regularly in mathematics and can be represented by numbers, words, pictures, and models. As children learn to identify, extend, and create patterns, they develop powerful skills that will help them make sense of mathematics and science.
In this unit, your child will:
• Find a pattern rule for a number pattern.
• Identify, extend, and create patterns.
• Describe and model patterns.
• Use patterns to pose and solve problems.
• Use patterns in a table to make predictions.
Patterns occur in many forms. Ask your child to describe some of the patterns she or he has learned. See if your child can give examples of them. Often, adults use tables and spreadsheets to organize data at work. Encourage your child to explain how she or he uses tables to organize and analyse patterns. As you look through the newspaper, discuss the patterns in the business, sports, or entertainment sections.
Problem Solving Model
Students continue to work on the following Problem Solving Model in all math strands. When your child is solving math problems for homework, please reinforce the following strategies, particularly when they encounter difficulty, by asking questions:
Think - Understand the problem. Read and reread the problem carefully.
Plan - Devise a plan. What information do I have? What do I need to find out?
Do - Carry out the plan. What strategies will I use?
Look Back - Reread your solution/answer/work. Is your answer reasonable?
Think - Understand the problem. Read and reread the problem carefully.
Plan - Devise a plan. What information do I have? What do I need to find out?
Do - Carry out the plan. What strategies will I use?
Look Back - Reread your solution/answer/work. Is your answer reasonable?