Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are a set of six geometric shapes used for teaching and exploring a variety of mathematical concepts, including shapes, symmetry, fractions, and spatial reasoning. The six shapes are:

• Green triangle
• Red trapezoid
• Blue rhombus (or diamond)
• Tan rhombus (or diamond)
• Yellow hexagon
• Orange square

Uses of Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are often used to:

• Teach children about shapes and their attributes
• Explore symmetry and tessellations
• Introduce and reinforce concepts of fractions and area
• Develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills

Activities with Pattern Blocks

Here are some activities you can do with pattern blocks:

1. Shape Recognition: Sort the pattern blocks by shape and color. Identify the different attributes of each shape.
2. Creating Patterns: Use the pattern blocks to create and extend geometric patterns.
3. Tessellations: Explore how the pattern blocks can be arranged to create tessellating patterns.
4. Fractions: Use the blocks to show different fractions, such as combining shapes to create a whole or comparing the sizes of different shapes.
5. Area and Perimeter: Use the blocks to explore concepts of area and perimeter by covering and measuring shapes.
6. Symmetry: Create symmetrical designs using the pattern blocks.

Study Guide

When studying pattern blocks, it's important to understand the attributes of each shape, such as the number of sides, angles, and whether they have parallel sides. Practice identifying and sorting the pattern blocks by shape and color. Explore how the shapes can be combined and arranged to create different patterns, tessellations, and symmetrical designs. Additionally, practice using the pattern blocks to represent fractions and explore concepts of area and perimeter.

By mastering the use of pattern blocks, students can develop a deeper understanding of geometric concepts and improve their spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

[Pattern Blocks] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Patterns & SortingMathematics • Kindergarten