Investigating With Pattern Blocks - Softcover

The primary age classroom can be a natural laboratory for exploration and discovery. Inviting materials and intriguing problems foster a spirit of inquiry that makes children feel adventurous toward their learning. Manipulative math materials can be a basis for such child-centered learning. Be seeing and manipulating concrete materials, children undertake tasks that would be inaccessible if presented only symbolically. This book addresses the use of Pattern Blocks as math manipulatives. Pattern Blocks are a collection of 6 polygons, each with its own color, and include: hexagons, squares, equilateral triangles, trapezoids, and 2 different rhombuses. Pattern Blocks are used to create designs, tall towers, winding roads, and colorful buildings. These activities, and a rich variety of others give children an opportunity to investigate the blocks' attributes and spatial relationships, make estimates, and explore number, measurement, and geometry. This helps to build a solid foundation of mathematical ideas.