Day 1: Pattern Games

Hello Techies!

Today's screen-free computational thinking activity focuses on Pattern Recognition - a fundamental skill that helps children develop logical thinking and prediction abilities.

Today's Activity: Pattern Play

What You'll Need:

• Any collection of small objects (playing cards, buttons, coins, coloured blocks, fruit, socks, etc.).

• 10-15 minutes of time together.

How To Play:

1. Arrange 3-5 objects in a simple pattern (e.g., red block, blue block, red block...).

2. Ask your child: What comes next in this pattern?

3. Once they guess correctly, let them create a pattern for you to solve.

4. Gradually increase complexity (try patterns like: big, small, small, big, small, small...).

Make It Fun:

• Use silly voices when revealing if the guess was correct.

• Time each other to see who can solve patterns faster.

• Create patterns with sounds or movements if objects aren't available.

Why This Matters

Pattern recognition is crucial for computational thinking. When children identify and extend patterns, they're developing the same skills computers use to process information. This foundational ability helps with:

• Mathematics and coding

• Problem-solving and logical reasoning

• Making predictions based on available information.

Quick Tip: Point out patterns in everyday life. Take a moment to notice the alternating colours on a crosswalk, rhythms in music, or sequences in nature. Ask your child: What pattern do you notice here?

Tomorrow we'll explore another key computational skill. Until then, happy pattern-making!

Your Tech Partner,

Dr. Ijeoma Ndu

This is Day 1 of our 5-day Computational Thinking Without Screens series.

If you enjoyed it, share with a friend! 😀