Dear Parents,    We will be starting a mathematics unit on increasing and decreasing patterns. Recognizing and analyzing patterns is an important part of mathematical thinking. Patterning concepts lead to work with algebra in higher grades. In this unit, your child will:  • Identify, extend, create, and compare increasing patterns. • Identify, extend, create, and compare decreasing patterns. • Find pattern rules. • Display number patterns on hundred charts. • Use patterns to solve problems. Patterns can be found all around us. Encourage your child to look for patterns around the home and talk about them. Here are some suggestions for activities you can do at home: • Look for patterns in your family’s activities as marked on a calendar at home. What activities do you do daily? Twice a week? Every week? • Use small objects like buttons or coins to make patterns that grow or shrink. Encourage your child to describe and extend the patterns. • Count collections of nickels and dimes by 5s and by 10s. Count pennies by 2s.   *** We will continue to work on numbers from 0-100 in order to be better prepared for our 2nd unit: Numeration. We will also work on Bar Graphs and Pictographs.  Mme Lockerbie