Beginning in prekindergarten, students work with identifying and creating patterns with objects. Creating pictures containing patterns with preK to third grade students can assist them in further developing an understanding of patterns. Have students practice creating simple color and shape patterns in lines with pattern blocks to determine that they can successfully create several different patterns. Afterward, instruct students to use pattern blocks to create simple pictures containing patterns and common objects such as buildings, flowers and shapes.
Have first to third grade students use the pattern blocks to create abstract shape pictures. Instruct students to first explore and attempt to create larger shapes by combining the blocks. For example, using several small squares to create a large rectangle. After some time exploring this task, ask students to use many of the pattern blocks to create an abstract art composition that contains at least three different shapes made from combining other shapes. Have students complete the building of the design with the blocks on top of white paper. After creating it with pattern blocks, have students transfer the design to white paper by tracing the shapes.
Have upper elementary students practice fractions by building pattern block pictures. Practice the task with students by building a flower, for example, that uses two trapezoids for the middle and eight rhombuses for the petals. Ask students to describe the blocks used in terms of fractions. Guide them to see that the flower is two-tenths trapezoids and eight-tenths rhombuses. Afterward, assign students the task of creating simple pictures from the blocks and identifying the fractional parts used.
Have upper elementary students participate in a picture-making, problem solving activity with pattern blocks. Create a series of directions for creating the pictures that include age-appropriate math equations to solve. The directions might include steps such as create a garden picture that includes three multiplied by five flowers that are two-tenths red and six-tenths blue. Create several such steps that include math equations and guide students to create a picture with the pattern blocks.