Lately, Joey has become fascinated by various kinds of colorful pattern blocks. On the one hand, my four-year-old maneuvers wooden wedges into mesmerizing arrangements that mimic quilt squares, but brighter than his subtle blues, greens, and creams. He selects a card and with a determined spirit, sets to work until the square platform is complete. With a glee-filled smile as wide as his face, Joey shares the design with us, disassembles the pattern, and starts again.
On the other hand, Joey loves our large tub of plastic shapes, which he manipulates into creative images, determines ending patterns to sequences, and engages in other imaginative play with the blocks. I am usually amazed by his created concoctions. Of course, he is equally enamored with the incorporation of items such as mini-marshmallows, candies, and vegetable chips; however, these do not stick around very long - as you can imagine - and so, pattern play with edibles does not last.
Recognizing patterns does not have to include special equipment. Ezra enjoys sorting socks, which I also line up to create patterns that he imitates by placing sock mates below my array of mismatched socks. When we hike, Joey collects acorns, small rocks, and autumn leaves, which we arrange in patterns, too.
Regardless of age, patterns and sequences are a great tool at any age. These tools translate well into early reading strategies, and compliment learning skills such as memorization.
How does your little one enjoy patterns while playing? Is there a favorite pattern-based activity or game that you enjoy (of course, our votes would be those like Simon, Cryptoquips, and even the chaotic patterning of Twister). What materials do you use for patterns?
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