Lesson 2: Patterns in Numbers
Day 2
Activity 3: Finding Patterns on a Number Grid
Materials: fine point dry-erase marker (kit), laminated number grids (kit)
There are two options for this activity. Option 2 is slightly more challenging than Option 1 because it asks your child to figure out a way to show two patterns at once rather than showing only one pattern at a time. This increases the complexity and problem solving of the task.
- Option 1: Using 2 laminated number grids, your child will show counting by 5s on one grid and counting by 10s on the other. She can use different colors on each grid.
- Option 2: Using one laminated number grid, ask your child to figure out a way to show counting by 5s and 10s so that it's clear which number you come to when counting by each. Ask: "How can you show which numbers you come to when counting by 5s, which numbers you come to when counting by 10s, and which numbers you come to when counting by both 5s and 10s?"
Once she has completed one of the options, pose and discuss the following questions:
- What do you notice about the numbers you colored? Were you expecting this? Why?
- Which numbers did you come to when you were counting by both 5s and 10s? Why were some numbers shared and not others?
- Did you color more numbers when you were counting by 5s or 10s? Why do you think this is?
Next, challenge your child to practice counting by other numbers and finding overlaps when doing so using the following web link. For example, ask her to use one color to count by 2s and another to count by 6s. Which numbers does she come to when counting by these numbers and when does she "land" on the same numbers when doing so?
Web Link
Interactive Number Chart
This tool allows your child to practice counting by any number to 100, and she can show how to count by multiple numbers at the same time by using different colors. This is great practice for children needing more experience with counting on a number grid.
NOTE: The games on this site are free to play on computers (PCs/Macs) but require a paid subscription to play on mobile devices. You will also need to turn off ad blockers to access the games.
This link was verified on 10/9/2023.
Activity 4: A Snack of Patterns (optional)
Materials: snack foods*
Invite your child to create a snack that follows a particular number pattern. For example, she might include 2 pieces of cheese, 4 apple slices, and 6 crackers. This activity would be good to use as a break when she is working on her number pattern book for the next activity.