• Number & Algebra: Patterning
This is the ideal manipulative for developing patterning. As children thread the beads on to the lace they are developing fine motor skills.
Beads and Threading Laces Videos
Mathematical Language
Pattern, names of beads, ball (sphere), cylinder, cube, sorting, classifying, counting, colour, size..
Using Beads and Threading Laces
Children need to be able to identify patterns. Young children pass through three phases when learning about patterns. They
• copy
• continue and
• create patterns
Teachers may use large demonstration sets of beads to show patterns to children and children can use large beads to show their work to the class.
Patterns may come in many forms depending on the characteristics of the beads, for example, size, colour and shape.
Beadstrings Article
Typical Classroom Requirements
class sets:
– One Set of Giant Lacing Beads
Minimum Requirement:
Four boxes of Beads
Ideal Requirement:
One box per group of four students
Support and Complementary Materials
Closely associated with Beads and Laces are the various linking type products. These products are designed so that pieces may be linked to create patterns, the basis of much algebraic thinking.
