Understanding Patterns: A Guide for Parents

What are patterns?

In numeracy, patterns are a specific order in which numbers, colours, shapes, etc. follow a sequence. An example of this would be using two different colours to triangles arranged in an ABAB pattern, such as Red Triangle, Blue Triangle, Red Triangle, Blue Triangle, and so on.

Common errors children encounter while learning the concept of Patterns?

Children may encounter difficulty spatial arrangement and misalignment of patterns which leads to patterns being visually inconsistent although the sequence may be correct. Children may also confuse patterns when exposed to multiple different pattern sequences, they may also inconsistently replicate the pattern or focus on the wrong attribute of the pattern. 

Initially try to avoid making patterns too complex or long and keep them simple to start, once your child becomes confident with easier patterns adjust the complexity accordingly and incrementally. Always remember to encourage your child to slow down and revisit any activities where errors were encountered to try them again.

What is the benefit of learning Patterns?

Patterns allow children to develop problem solving and anticipate solutions to problems which helps to shape their higher cognitive and reasoning abilities. 

How to teach your child at home?

You can help teach your child by using any resources that are at home. The beauty of learning patterns at home is that you can get as creative as you like. This can be by using coloured building blocks, shapes, fruit, etc. The patterns can be horizontal or vertical depending on the resources being used, and once your child understands a basic ABAB pattern, then you can increase the difficulty.

Examples of pattern sequences to try:

ABAB patterns: two alternating elements these can be colours, shapes or objects.

ABCABC patterns: three alternating elements these can be colours, shapes or objects.

AABAAB patterns: repeating two elements with one element twice, these can be colours, shapes or objects.

ABBABB patterns: repeating one element followed by another, these can be colours, shapes or objects.

AABB patterns: repeating two elements twice, these can be colours, shapes or objects.

ABCDABCD patterns: four different elements in a sequence, these can be colours, shapes or objects.

ABBABB patterns: symmetrical patterns, these can be colours, shapes or objects.