2.3. Mathematical activities to encourage student to things about the reason why the patterns apply
In a lesson where student discover patterns, it is not enough to end the lesson after the patterns are found. We want to encourage children to always thing about questions like, “Why does the pattern works” and “How far can it be taken?” Thus, we want to create opportunities for the students to think about the reason why the pattern works. Given that this lesson is for third grade, however, it may be difficult for some students to come up with reasonings. In this case, the teacher will have to provide support, encouraging student to check whether the patterns found will apply in other situations and to think about the patterns using diagrams.