Shape – Digit Dog Challenges

Use 4 of the pattern tiles (download here) to make as many different designs as you can.

Digit Dog and Calculating Cat have arranged the tiles into a square.

What do you notice about the patterns they have made? Can you think of a way of describing the patterns?

What is the same? What is different?

How many different patterns do you think you could make by arranging the tiles in a square?

Try it. Take some pictures of your designs.

How will you know you have found all the ways?

Is there a way of being systematic? Explain your thinking.

What if……..

…….. you only made symmetrical designs?

…….. you arranged the tiles in a straight line?

…….. you used more than 4 tiles?

…….. you designed your own tile?

Really enjoying this book:

A great way to focus on the properties of shape and to start conversations and thinking. Each page has four shapes and the challenge is to find which one doesn’t belong. Any answer is acceptable as long as it is true. The important thing is to have a reason for your answer.

Can you find a reason why each of the shapes on the cover don’t belong?

How is the shape you have chosen different from the others?

What do you notice?

By doing this activity you are encouraging learners to notice similarities and differences, to use correct mathematical language, to reason and to explain their thinking.

The question on each page of the book “Which one doesn’t belong?” is the same but some pages are more challenging than others. They really make you think.

Find more ideas from this author at www.talkingmathwithyourkids.com

Category: Shape

Patterns with tiles

which one doesn’t belong? A Shapes Book by Christopher Danielson