- Definition
An "element" is simply one of the individual items that repeat in a pattern, like a single shape or number.
In a pattern of circle, square, circle, square, the circle is one element and the square is the other.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An element is like one of the Lego bricks you use over and over to build a repeating wall.
Ask your child: What are the pieces in this pattern?
Common mix-up: Kids may only see the whole design and not the separate pieces. A pattern is made of individual elements that repeat in a certain order.
Examples
- In a sound pattern of clap, stomp, clap, stomp, the clap is one element.
- In a line of toys like car, truck, car, truck, the car is one element.
element is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+112 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
