Teaching Elementary Mathematics - Essay Example

Teaching Elementary Mathematics A particular pattern used by a teacher to teach mathematical concepts primarily depends on the intended impact in a particular grade level. Students’ response to the particular system determines the teacher’s adoption of the strategy. This paper describes how to use patterns in teaching elementary mathematics and a specific activity that can be used for a particular grade level. The use of symbols plays a great deal in learning elementary mathematics. It is undeniable that symbols help children to learn to identify patterns in general.

This prepares children for a more advanced level of mathematic skills such as numeration and numbering. Symbols such as circles, squares, and triangles are good for patterning. This learning activity is best suited for grade four levels. This symbol patterning intends to expose children to sequences. This concept will use an analogy of a picnic table as an introduction to the sequence. Students get insight as they use T-charts to the idea of pattern rules. Once the student is able to solve the problem, they continually develop the cognitive ability to understand mathematical concepts that are more abstract.

In this activity, students will understand the relationship between numbers, figures, tables, and diagrams as mathematics models. This will work only if the student has experience in extending simple number patterns at a lower grade (Ministry of Education, 2008). For instance, patterning can be used to expose children at the elementary level to the Pascal triangle. The student investigates the pattern of rectangular numbers and sums of the triangle. This activity may involve the delivery of small toys to a prizewinner at a fun fair in several days.

On day one chipmunks will be delivered, and on day two the same with two blue jays. In one day, three repeats of the previous with an additional three puppies. This may continue for ten days and the Pascal concept will be easily understood (Ministry of Education, 2008).In conclusion, patterning plays a great role in student perception of numbers. It depends on the skills of the particular pattern introduced at a lower grade. Therefore, it is an interdependent process. The use of patterns in elementary mathematics is a progressive process.

A pattern in a higher grade depends on what pattern was introduced at a lower grade level.