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by Sally Ann Stanley
Topics: First Grade, Math
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Lots of everyday objects can be fun, whether it’s buttons, beans, or LEGO blocks. But just because objects are fun to play with, doesn't mean they can't teach something, too! By creating patterns with objects, students begin to develop their algebraic thinking skills.

Here’s an activity that uses coins to build problem-solving strategies. With practice, students can use these “manipulatives” to discover lots of key mathematical concepts such as the commutative and associative properties, which will underly addition and multiplication work for years to come.

What You Need:

  • pennies
  • nickels
  • dimes
  • quarters
  • a table or other flat surface

What You Do:

  1. Model a repeating pattern  using pennies and nickels. You can show a series of two pennies, 1 nickel, or a similar pattern. Ask your child to name your pattern.
  2. Ask your child to extend your pattern by adding what comes next. If your pattern shows two pennies, one nickel, two pennies, one nickel, two pennies; then one nickel comes next. Allow your child to place the nickel after the two pennies.
  3. Add to the challenge. This time set up a repeating pattern showing pennies, dimes, and quarters. Place the coins on the table to show the first two repetitions. You might try something like penny, penny, dime, quarter, quarter. This series shows an ABC pattern, which is a bit more challenging. Ask your child to name the pattern you created. Now have your child extend this pattern by placing the coins on the table to show the next repetition.
  4. Explore some more.  Set this series of coins in a row on the table - one nickel, two pennies, one nickel, three pennies, one nickel, four pennies. Discuss this pattern with your child. Ask him what part of the pattern remained the same (the nickel). Ask him what part changed (the number of pennies).
  5. Let your child experiment! Set her to work independently.  Ask an open-ended question like,  “How could you use these four types of coins to make a different pattern?” Encourage her to show you the patterns.