Red, Blue, Red, Blue

Patterns are a part of life. Think about it—patterns are everywhere in the world! You see patterns in nature, in fabric, in the streets.

In a way, patterns teach us what to expect. It also teaches us to craft our very own system so we can do things in order. Whenever we head to the grocery store, for instance, we follow a sequence of things to do: park the car, find a shopping cart, follow a grocery list, get in line, pay, take the goods to the car, and go home. We do this every single time, and thus have created a pattern along the way.

Children love patterns too. They love to do things in a sequence that works out similarly every time, because knowing what is going to happen next gives them a sense of security and pleasure.

Mastering patterns develops early literacy and numeric skills. When I was teaching preschool, I would always feel amazed whenever I introduce the word “pattern” to the children, because they all seemed to gravitate toward that word! Once a young child learns a new word, he or she will tend to use it a lot. My preschoolers loved to find patterns everywhere! I’d be handing out snacks randomly—white milk, followed by chocolate milk, and then by white milk again. Suddenly, one of the little ones blurted out, “It’s a pattern!” Yes, it certainly was a pattern! 

Training your child to recognize and create patterns is simple and does not require any pre-planning.  A great way to introduce patterning is to let your child help you sort the laundry. Start making patterns with the socks: white sock, black sock, white sock, and then black sock. Say the words out loud as you place the socks down on their respective piles, and soon your child would recognize the pattern and join in the fun.

As you get ready for dinner, let your child create a pattern with the silverware: spoon, fork, spoon, fork, spoon, and fork. When your child is playing with his or her toys, you may notice him or her create a pattern in the process: red block, yellow block, red block, and yellow block. As your child masters the two-part pattern, start enhancing the skill even further by adding more colors or shapes.

You can also go out for a walk and look for patterns in nature. Better yet, give your child a magnifying glass to see the patterns from up close! Communicate with your child as he or she looks for and identifies patterns. Discuss the intricate details in the patterns he or she discovers. Marvel at the beauty of nature and before you know it, you and your child will be spying patterns everywhere!