Pattern

Recognizing Repetition
and Regularity
The Same Pattern Structure Can
Be Found in Many Different Forms

People Patterns to give the children a chance to

analyze and describe patterns

Pattern Match in this activity, children given

pattern models in one medium, such as pattern-
block shape pattern strips, and asked to find
matching patterns in another medium, such as
colored bead necklaces.
People Pattern
Pattern Match
Development Trajectory for
Patterns

Visual patterns are the easiest for children to

work with because they present multiple
iterations or repetitions of the patterns unit of
repeat

Children should be exposed to a variety of

patterns in differing modes and orientations, lest
they develop the misconception that patterns
embodied only in linear sequences of colors and
shapes
Visual Patterns
Table 5.1 Activities for
Exploring Patterns
Consider Materials and Level of
Pattern Complexity
Early patterning activities should include concrete
materials that children can manipulate.

Color is often the most salient visual attribute for

children, so material such as connecting cubes
that vary only color may be a good first choice

Shape and size are other visual attributes to

repeat in patterns. It is important to remove color
as an attribute when working on shape or size
patterns
Be On the Lookout for Child-
Made Patterns
A parallel pathway exists for the pattern that
children themselves create.

Young children are inclined to create alternating

patterns or symmetrical patterns those seem to
be naturally pleasing to them.

However, just because child create pattern does

not mean that she is aware of the patterns rule
Describe and Discuss Patterns
to Build Understanding
Describing patterns is difficult for young children

Childrens implicit informal knowledge about

patterns takes many experiences, scaffolded by a
teacher to become more formal, mathematical
knowledge.

With a classroom of pattern detectives, you will

have many opportunities to talk about patterns in
meaningful context throughout the school day
Use the Classroom Environment
to Explore Patterns
The opportunity for young children to explore
patterns can be integrated right into the routines
and structures of your classroom.

Common routines such as reviewing your daily

schedule or constructing a weekly calendar can
help children identifying patterns in time

We must actively engage in discussing the

mathematics with children in order to build
understanding
Thank you!