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Description
When children are young, we teach them to recognize sequences, shapes, and patterns as prerequisites to math - important skills to build upon. This book from The Critical Thinking Company incorporates some fun puzzles to work with children from the fifth to seventh grade level to get them thinking about math functions. Five different types of puzzles make the math exploration challenging - Pattern Predictor, Equality Explorer, Sequence Sleuth, Number Ninja, and Function Finder. There are eight of each type for a total of 40 puzzles that become progressively more difficult. Pattern Predictor asks the student to look at a pattern of shapes and predict where the pattern will be in future stages. Equality Explorer is like Balance Benders (also by CTP) where the student sees a series of balances with shapes on one side and a number on the other - the student has to figure out the value of each shape in order to equal the number on the other side (balancing equations). Sequence Sleuth shows a sequence of patterns, objects, letters, etc., and asks a series of questions in which the student is to determine future stages in the sequence based upon what they can already see. Number Ninja lays out a series of operations and tells you a starting or ending number. Based on the operations you have to determine the missing start or finish number. The fifth type of puzzle is the Function Finder in which the student is to determine what functions are being employed given the example presented - look for a pattern and understand it. An example of this last puzzle would be 6?¢¦7=43; 8?¢¦3=25; 9?¢¦10=91; 2?¢¦5=11. Based on the mystery function offered here, what would the answers be to 5?¢¦9 and 16?¢¦3? The mystery functions would be multiply and add one. So the answers would be 46 and 49, consecutively.
There is now a Level 2 of the Pattern Explorer books. Intended for junior high/high school, this second book adds the use of variables. Otherwise, you will find the same types of puzzles as those found in Level 1. No prior knowledge of Algebra is required to do level 2.
Hints for solving the puzzles and solutions are offered at the back of the book. These are very
helpful when you get stuck.
This book is rated for 5th - 7th grade, but I feel the number-brain exercises in these puzzles would be good for even high school and adults. I have completely enjoyed working the puzzles in this book. This book is reproducible for classroom and family use. ~ Donna
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.