Mathematics is sometimes called "The Science of Pattern". All week long we have been talking about recognizing patterns whenever possible. We tried to identify the pattern core in zigzags and stripes and tried to build them with Rings and Sticks.
We created AB, AAB, ABC patterns with beads, made predictions of what comes next etc. But I felt like I could not take the inquiry any further. The interest seemed to be diminishing and I thought of setting this inquiry aside for later time.
Today Shrini was working with watercolor and suddenly proclaimed, "Hey Mom! Look at my zigzag painting!". I rushed to look at the painting and found a thick, continuous sharp little red mountains. Amazing! She has painted a zigzag line just from memory without any provocation.
For kids this young, art and early writing skills are one and same. This ability to hold a pattern in mind and putting it on paper is a good thinking skill that definitely needs encouragement.
Realizing the opportunity I wanted to take it further. So followed a few inquiries.
I wanted to challenge her with some complex patterns.
"Do I draw squares?" she asked.
She wanted more challenge.
Here is a short video of her trying to draw these patterns.
Loris Malaguzzi writes in her poem "The Hundred languages of Children"
We created AB, AAB, ABC patterns with beads, made predictions of what comes next etc. But I felt like I could not take the inquiry any further. The interest seemed to be diminishing and I thought of setting this inquiry aside for later time.
Today Shrini was working with watercolor and suddenly proclaimed, "Hey Mom! Look at my zigzag painting!". I rushed to look at the painting and found a thick, continuous sharp little red mountains. Amazing! She has painted a zigzag line just from memory without any provocation.
For kids this young, art and early writing skills are one and same. This ability to hold a pattern in mind and putting it on paper is a good thinking skill that definitely needs encouragement.
Realizing the opportunity I wanted to take it further. So followed a few inquiries.
Can you draw stripes?
How about spots?
Does one dot make a Spots pattern?
 |
| Spots, zigzag and stripes pattern |
I wanted to challenge her with some complex patterns.
Can you draw checkered pattern?
She was stumped by this question. So I brought out my iPad to show her some checkered designs for inspiration."Do I draw squares?" she asked.
Can you try checkered pattern with horizontal and vertical stripes?
 |
| Inspirational pattern |
 |
| Shrini's checkered pattern |
Can you try spiral?
She drew a few concentric circles and soon recognized spiral was bit different. After I explained her the difference she tried drawing a spiral. |
| Inspirational pattern |
 |
| Shrini's spiral |
She wanted more challenge.
Can you draw a wave pattern?
Can you draw a pattern with triangles?
Again, I showed a design for inspiration.
She tried her level best to copy the pattern.Here is a short video of her trying to draw these patterns.
Loris Malaguzzi writes in her poem "The Hundred languages of Children"
The Child is made of
one hundred
A hundred languages
A hundred hands
A hundred thoughts
A hundred ways of thinking
Of playing, of speaking.
Today I got to experience one of Shrini's language - Art to communicate her understanding of Math!
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