Colour Clues

Episode 61                                                                              Planet: Stuff

Learning concept of the episode: “We can use patterns in the organisation of things.  Once a pattern has been recognised, we can figure out what comes next in the sequence.”

Story Summary

Bing and Bong discover a group of white and blue locals who are trying desperately to jump over a high wall. Thinking about the problem, Bing steps onto a square tile that makes a noise and turns white. Stepping on the next tile turns it blue, and the one after, white. As the locals bounce randomly on the tiles, a sequence of white-blue-white causes the squares to spring up, sending three happy locals over the wall. Through trial-and-error, Bing concedes that the white-blue-white consistently acts as a springboard to the other side, where they find a springy inflatable pad, and everyone bounces together.

Focus Early Learning Goal

Mathematical Development 10: Talk about, recognise and recreate simple patterns.

Linked ELGs

PSE3, PSE8, KU3

Preparation

• Watch the Tiny Planets episode  
• Talk about what Bing and Bong did in the story.

Talk about…..

• How Bing found the pattern, how did it help him?
• How patterns can be various things, not always colour but shape, objects or size.
• Ask them to think of patterns in everyday life.

Focus Activity

 Bing’s Stepping Stones (see overleaf)

Follow-on Activities

• Look for examples of patterns around you on clothes etc
• Make wrapping paper using patterns drawn on paper
• Threading using sequence cards to copy

Bings Stepping Stones

Aim

To make stepping stones following a simple pattern

Resources

• Various objects of the same shape but of different colours
• A number of A2 pieces of sugar paper in up to three colours
• A4 paper of various colours
• Scissors
• Glue

Guidelines

• First take a small group, sit with them and discuss patterns
• Take the objects of various colours and start off by making simple patterns using only two colours.  Let the children take turns to make the patterns and then introduce more colours if the children show understanding.
• Have a large area cleared of any furniture, or go outside. Tell the children they have to make stepping stones in a pattern to get Bing from one side of the room or playground to the other. Using the A2 sheets of paper, place them down and use them as stepping stones.
• Encourage the children to work together, introduce more colours as the children become more confident.
• Give the children a piece of A4 paper and ask them to re-create the stepping stones pattern on the paper using smaller pieces of coloured paper. You could have the paper pre-cut or for more capable children they could cut out their own stepping stones.

Key Vocabulary

Pattern, shape, colour, copy, repeat, stepping stones, numbers (1 up to 10).

Health & Safety

Ensure the children step carefully onto the paper stepping stones to avoid them slipping.

Use suitable scissors for the children cutting out – they must cut well but do not have a sharp end.

Use non toxic glue.