Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Patterns: simple repeating patterns with objects – Week 6 focus

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Subject: Mathematics

Class: Grade R

Term: 1st Term

Week: 6

Theme: General lesson support

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces Grade R learners to the foundational mathematical concept of patterns. A pattern is a sequence that repeats in a logical, predictable way. For young learners, understanding patterns is a crucial early step in developing algebraic thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. In the South African context, patterns are an integral part of daily life and cultural expression. They are visible in the vibrant geometric designs of Ndebele houses, the intricate beadwork of Zulu and Xhosa traditions, the repetitive rhythms of traditional music and dance, and the natural world, from the stripes of a zebra to the arrangement of petals on a protea.

Lesson notes

What is a Pattern? A pattern is a set of things—like objects, colours, shapes, sounds, or actions—that are arranged following a certain rule. The rule makes the pattern predictable because it repeats over and over again. We can look at a pattern and figure out what will come next!

The Rule or The Core: The most important part of a pattern is the smallest piece that repeats. This is called the core or the rule of the pattern. Once you find the core, you understand the whole pattern. Let's explore the two main types of simple patterns we will learn about: Type 1: The AB Pattern This is the simplest type of pattern. It uses two different things that take turns. One of the first, then one of the second, and repeat.