When we stop and look and we see patterns all around us, in nature, in the home, out shopping. Pattern is a fundamental mathematical concept, whether looking at patterns in number or shape. From learning what makes a pattern a pattern to unearthing the link between number sequences and the patterns we see in nature, learners will enjoy exploring patterns with these lively books.
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Pattern (Math Counts: Updated Editions)
by Henry Pluckrose
Review: This updated version of Pattern by Henry Pluckrose is perfect for young learners beginning to explore and make sense of pattern. Coming in at 32 pages, Pluckrose begins by visually demonstrating what makes a pattern and what doesn’t with the use of a chess board. Bright, full-colour pictures highlight patterns in nature, in our homes and our daily lives. Pluckrose subsequently introduces the concept of repeating patterns. Direct questions to the reader such as how the pattern on the bottom of a running shoe stops the runner from slipping challenge learners to think more deeply about the uses that patterns can have. A useful addition to a maths class.
Look here for a read-through of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 8 years old. In my opinion, the beginning of the book is too simplistic for older readers. Some of the questions posed near the end, such as tire tread patterns, however, would make a good starting point when building on existing knowledge with these learners.
I See A Pattern Here
by Bruce Goldstone
Review: This bold, glossy book goes beyond a beginning introduction to pattern. Clearly explained definitions coupled with inviting photographs, introduce more complex patterns and ideas in an accessible way. MathSpeak speech bubbles throughout the book introduce terms such as translation, rotation, reflection, symmetry and tessellation. This provides readers with the necessary vocabulary to describe patterns around them. Interesting pictures give a useful reference point for learners to spot and further examine these patterns in pictures, nature, fabrics and more. Highly recommended for readers ready to move beyond their first pattern explorations.
Click here to see inside the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 10 years old.
Shapes And Patterns In Nature
by Stepanka Sekaninova (Author), Jana Sedlackova (Author), Magdalena Konecna (Illustrator)
Review: This stunningly illustrated book is perfect to stimulate inquiry into patterns. Packed with hundreds of watercolour illustrations, Shapes and Patterns In Nature provides readers young and old with a voyage of discovery through the natural world. Each species is labelled in a cursive script enabling readers to learn some natural history whilst exploring patterns. This would make a great discussion point for learners of all ages. The book is divided into 14 chapters, beginning with a prelude and ending with a parade of shape and patterns. Individual chapters are dedicated to tree bark, fruit and vegetables, fish skin and scales, and minerals and crystals. Highly recommended.
Click here to enjoy a flick-through of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 – 9 years old. In my opinion, this book can be enjoyed across the age range from young children through to adults.
300+ Mathematical Pattern Puzzles: Number Pattern Recognition & Reasoning
by Chris McMullen
Review: This book is perfect for practising and working with number patterns. Readers are not only refining their maths skills but also developing their logic and analytical skills as they tackle the challenges it contains. Cyclic, Fibonacci-inspired, factorial and algebraic puzzles all feature along with additive and multiplicative patterns. Each chapter starts by giving an overview of the concepts addressed together with a few sample puzzles. The answers to all of the puzzles, together with explanations, are located at the back of the book. Starting with nice, straightforward(ish!) pattern ordering puzzles, these are sure to make you think and hone the way that you look at number sequences and patterns in future.
Suggested Reading Age: Secondary-aged students and older readers who are looking to get a handle on unlocking number sequences and puzzles.
Power of Patterns: Fractals
by Theo Buchanan
Review: If you or your students or children have ever heard the word fractal and wondered what one is, this is the book for you. The fascinating concept of fractal geometry is incredibly new in terms of mathematical history. Written in easy-to-understand language, the concepts introduced require some thought. The carefully selected accompanying photographs, quotes, and asides help readers to develop their beginning understanding as well as provide some fun facts. Interactive elements such as “Think Links” pose some thought-provoking questions. This 48-page book packs a mathematical punch. Whilst its cover is attractive for young readers, its content is definitely for the more advanced mathematician. This is a book to keep returning to as your understanding develops.
Suggested Reading Age: Secondary-aged students and beyond.
Happy Reading!
Other Maths Posts You May Enjoy:
Stunning Symmetry: A Feast For The Eyes
Maths Puzzle Books: Get Those Brains Working!
Numbers and Counting: Where Would We Be Without Them?
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Do YOU know any great pattern books to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .