Pattern and Structure

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Patterns are essentially relationships with some kind of regularity between the elements. For young children, research suggests there are three main kinds (read our article below for more detail): 

1. Shapes with regular features, and shapes made with some equally spaced dots;
2. A repeated sequence;
3. A growing pattern.

Pattern awareness has been described as early algebraic thinking and is important for identifying different kinds of mathematical relationships. Research also shows that young children's ability to identify pattern can predict their mathematical achievement later. The tasks in this feature will help you to develop learners' awareness of pattern and will serve as a springboard to exploring mathematical structures.

You can watch a recording of the webinar in which we discussed the mathematical thinking which can be prompted by these activities.