November 4, 2020 | Sossi Essajanian
At the center of mathematics are patterns. They help children explore complex concepts and see relationships. Children use patterns to notice and form generalizations, which later assist them in making predictions.
Patterns are found in art, nature, music, literature… everywhere!
Children tune into visual or auditory patterns in their everyday experiences such as noticing stripes on clothing or clapping rhythms during rhymes and chants. Next children attempt to “read” the pattern, unlocking its repeating units. They may copy it in their work and continue the same repetition. Later children play around with ways to arrange the units to make their own pattern.
The work of patterns takes time. It grows in complexity and representation.
One thing is for sure: Patterns are fun!