Patterns Introducing the Concept Developing the Concept Patterns Children see patterns everywhere, but they may not be aware of what they are seeing until a pattern is pointed out to them. Simple repetitive patterns should be explored by children as early as kindergarten.
Children love to discover and then extend patterns.
When you introduce patterns, provide children with physical materials to use, such as cubes, large beads, different size bread tags, bottle caps, or other materials. Be certain the materials are large enough so they cannot be swallowed. Using hands-on materials to make patterns gives children the opportunity to try the extension of a pattern and make changes as they experiment with the pattern repeat. It also allows them to make mistakes and correct their mistakes without feeling that they have done something wrong. Materials relieve children from the pressure to do it right and help them to feel good about how they solved a problem.