Wood Pattern Blocks
A Bucket Of Learning Fun
Pattern blocks are my favorite math manipulative, and having spent some time as a middle school math teacher, I was amazed by how well the tween age group took to the mode of learning tool!
Manipulatives are used in order to provide a hands on experience, combined with visual modeling of math concepts. They are adaptable to any age group, ranging from early learners, to high school. Regardless of the age group you work with, though, it's fairly certain that the person handling the pattern blocks will want to explore with them. If you are teaching, homeschooling, or just wanting to learn more, make sure you recognize the fun, and the experience that is gained by handling such a tool.
Have You Worked With Pattern Blocks?
Do you have experience with these handy tools?
Wood Pattern Blocks
A set of wooden pattern blocks is a great educational gift, and it makes a great early learning tool to have around the house. There is one shape that could present a choking hazard to a small child, so keep this in mind. Make sure that your youngsters are beyond the "put toys in mouth" stage. This tool will continue to be useful on through middle and high school, for modelling patterns, exploring shapes, and just for creative play.
Independent Exploration
One of the best learning activities with pattern block, wood or otherwise, is being able to explore. Your child can just experience the geometric relationships while seeing connections, pictures or whatever strikes his or her fancy. I love exploration as well. My kids invent pattern games.
Wood or Plastic?
Do you prefer...
Compatibility between Sets
While the shapes are the same whether you work with wood or plastic, there may be slight differences in sizes and thicknesses. Kids are flexible, however, and will make do with what you have. If you are just starting out, keep in mind that there may be inconsistencies from one type to another.
Pattern Block Sets - Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks Set
This Melissa and Doug is a fantastic exploratory and learning toy set, with the pattern blocks contained in a great wood case, accompanied by a set of pictures to cover with corresponding pattern blocks. This is like a puzzle solving experience, but isn't restricted to the pictures given, as most children love to create their own pattern block designs.
Wood Toys and Pattern Blocks
I'm impressed that the preference for wood toys is alive and well, and the quality of Melissa and Doug products is amazing. A set that is made to stay together can be nice for management and storage purposes.
Pattern Cards for Use With Pattern Blocks
Extend the use of your child's set of wooden pattern blocks, by getting some pattern cards for him to match pattern block shapes to.
Resources Abound
There are so many wonderful resources for supplementing math learning, and there are lots of ways you can create your own tools and ideas.
Pattern Block Activity Books
Whether you are a parent, looking for some interesting activities to occupy your youngster during summer vacation, a teacher looking for new ideas, or a homeschooler wanting to supplement your math curriuculum, there are activity books for use with pattern blocks, perfect for helping.
You will find tons of pattern block tools and resources through auctions...
Whether you need die cut pattern block pieces, loose wooden pattern blocks or pattern block activity books, you will find lots of options through auctions.
Will you try pattern blocks activities with your kiddos?
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