- Shapes with regular features, and shapes made with some equally spaced dots;
- A repeated sequence;
- 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.
Developing Pattern Awareness with Young Children
Pattern Making
Chairs and Tables
Make a chair and table out of interlocking cubes, making sure that the chair fits under the table!
Repeating Patterns
Digit Addition
Try out this number trick. What happens with different starting numbers? What do you notice?