Seriation

Creating Patterns and Series

Seriation Ordering objects based on differences

and gradual variations in their qualities.

Builds on the child’s awareness of attributes and is another way children learn about the world.

In seriation children: Assign a logical order to the objects based

on gradual variations in a single attribute. (largest to smallest)

Sequence of attributes that repeats (blue sequin, red sequin, red sequin, blue sequin, red sequin, red sequin, etc)

Match one ordered set to another (small, medium and large cups on the correct saucer)

Comparing Attributes (Longer/Shorter, Bigger/Smaller)

Provide materials whose attributes children can easily compare.– Sets of materials in two sizes.– Materials children can shape and change.– Materials with contrasting attributes.–

Store and label materials in a way that encourages children to compare attributes.

Listen for and support the comparisons children make as they play and solve problems.

Arranging Several Thins One After Another in a Series or Pattern and Describing Their

Relationship

Provide collections and sets of materials.– Sets of materials in three or four sizes.– Materials that children can use to make

their own series and patterns.– Computer software programs that feature

series and patterns.

Watch and listen for the series and patterns that children make.

Ask children to draw or make families, necklaces and trains.

Read stories and encourage children to represent stories in which size relationships play an important role.

Fitting one ordered set of objects

to another through trial and order. Provide ordered sets of materials that

go together. Label some materials so children can

match ordered sets to ordered labels. Watch to see how children put ordered

sets together.