- Definition
To "translate" a pattern means to show the same pattern using different things, like changing a pattern of colors into a pattern of sounds.
A pattern of circle, square, circle, square can be translated into a clap, stomp, clap, stomp pattern.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Translating a pattern is like trading your red and blue blocks for clapping and stomping, but keeping the same rhythm.
Ask your child: How could we show this colour pattern using sounds?
Common mix-up: Kids may think translating means creating a totally new pattern. The key is that the core repeating part stays the same, just the materials change.
Examples
- Changing a fork, spoon, fork, spoon pattern on the table into a green block, yellow block, green block, yellow block tower.
- Turning a jump, spin, jump, spin pattern into a big step, little step, big step, little step pattern.
translate is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 5 The Arts
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 1 Mathematics
- Grade 2 Mathematics
- Grade 3 Mathematics
- Grade 4 Mathematics
- Grade 5 Mathematics
+4 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 ↗
