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Dot patterns
Joyful Mathematics: Chapter 4
GoalRead a number from a pattern of dots without counting one by one.
New words
pattern · things placed in a neat arrangementdot · a small round markrow · things side by side in a line
Explanation
Dots can be placed in neat patterns, like the dots on a dice. A pattern helps us see how many at a glance. Four dots can sit in a square. Five dots look like the five on a dice. We can also count a pattern row by row.
Worked examples
Small numbers are easy to see. Look at the dice: 1, 2 and 3.
7 dots: 4 in the top row and 3 in the row below. Count the rows: 4 and 3 make 7.
8 dots in a ten-frame: a row of 5 and a row of 3.
Class activity
Dot designs. Use seeds, pebbles or buttons. Make a pattern for 6, then another for 8, then for 9. Show it to a friend for a moment and hide it. Can your friend say the number?
Practice
1
How many dots are on the dice?
5.
2
How many dots are there?
9.
3
How many dots are in the frame?
6.
4
A domino has 3 dots on one half and 3 dots on the other half. How many dots are there in all?
6.
5
Make a pattern of 6 dots in two rows of three. Is it 6?
Yes. 3 and 3 make 6.