– Most of today’s parents and teachers know that reading to preschoolers is of prime importance for their literacy development. On the other hand – while just as important – numeracy development remains largely neglected. An efficient but often overlooked way to improve the math learning and skills of young children is to teach them about “patterns”, the predictable sequences such as stripes and rhythms that can be found while drawing and playing, for example.

– Kids are naturally prone to look for rules and regularity, so “patterning” (thinking about patterns) can be of great help to develop their mathematical reasoning. This is why parents and educators should start early to speak with preschoolers about all the nice patterns that are hidden in practically everything and everywhere around us. This kind of exercise can have a considerable effect on students’ math achievement.

Image: Poughkeepsie Day-School, CC BY-NC SA

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