In this way they can begin to build connections between the physical objects and actions and the symbols that represent these objects, actions, and results. Students work in pairs. Each partner selects any combination of a certain number of pattern blocks, e.g., 6. The student may choose 6 blue pattern blocks, or 3 red and 3 blue, etc. Each student makes a picture with his or her set of pattern blocks.
Partners discuss the likenesses and differences of their pictures.
Partners repeat the activity with a different combination or different number of blocks. Students record their pictures by pasting die-cut pattern block shapes on paper. Each student selects a given number of toothpicks, e.g. 5, and glues the toothpicks in a design on a sheet of paper. Students continue to select 5 toothpicks and glue them into different designs on other sheets of paper. Students work in pairs.