Students need to be able to identify and build numerical and geometric patterns to be proficient mathematicians. Our whole numeric system is built on patterns and sequences: counting by 1s, 5s, base ten, multiplication, etc. Patterns are a staple of a Kindergarten math program. We want students to start thinking about the predictability and structure of patterns and to look for these patterns in art, nature, and our manmade world (such as green light, yellow light, red light).

As adults, we can look at an easy pattern such as our AB pattern and think it is the simplest concept to understand. Yet to a five year old, predicting the next object in a pattern can seem random. It's interesting to watch how a Kindergartner decides "what comes next". Many need to recite the pattern aloud from the beginning to be able to "hear" the pattern. Some can simply look at the last couple entries in the pattern and see the repeating units. Others are merely guessing with a 50/50 chance of being correct. Patterning is an ongoing study throughout the year. Our first foray into patterning is depicted in our QuickTime show. Many of the children simply mimicked what others did, some set their pattern up incorrectly and needed help to make it work, and others understood it completely and are ready for more complex sequences. Stay tuned for more delving into this building block of algebraic reasoning.