Pattern is fundamental to mathematical learning yet pattern has been conspicuously low key within early mathematics curriculum guidance in England despite evidence that it predicts later attainment in mathematics overall. Whilst recent curriculum changes have seen pattern afforded enhanced status, this is within a conception of pattern that marks…

Research shows that attention to pattern and structure is fundamental to mathematical learning and attainment yet early mathematics curricula in England underplay the importance of patterning. In a critical realist notion of powerful knowledge, pattern teaching has the potential to empower children to notice patterns, mathematise their everyday…

As we move further into the digital age, the acquisition of digital literacy (DL) and computational thinking (CT) skills is emerging internationally as an essential goal for students in contemporary school curricula. As the world becomes more uncertain and volatile due to impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), international unrest, climate…

Patterning, or the ability to understand patterns, is a skill commonly taught to young children as part of school mathematics curricula. While a number of studies have demonstrated that patterning is beneficial for young children acquiring mathematical skills, little research exists that examines the cognitive components of the skill. It seems…

This article describes how in early mathematics learning, young children are often asked to recognize and describe visual patterns in their environment--perhaps on their clothing, a toy, or the carpet; around a picture frame; or in the playground equipment. Exploring patterns in the early years is seen as an important introduction to algebraic…

Turkish primary mathematics curriculum emphasizes the role of problem solving for teaching mathematics and pays particular attention to problem solving strategies. Patterns as a subject and the use of patterns as a non-routine problem solving strategy are also emphasized in the curriculum. The primary purpose of this study was to determine how…

In this paper we consider important factors influencing different curricular approaches to the study of numerically and geometrically defined pattern-type problems in the middle school curriculum. Our analysis involves the consideration of recommendations from national standards documents and their influences on state framework documents…

Most teachers feel confident espousing the benefits of using picture books in English lessons, talking about the importance of using the illustrations to enhance the text, engaging students and fostering a love and appreciation of literature. How many teachers passionately advocate the use of these same picture books in mathematics lessons? This…

This is the fourth in a series of articles introducing the recently initiated Activities Integrating Math and Science (AIMS) program for the development of a pattern-based mathematics/science curriculum. Discusses proportional relationships, proportional reasoning at the manipulative level, proportional reasoning expressed as written language,…

Presents activities that emphasize engaging students in proportional reasoning. Introduces students to the rules involved in recognizing proportions and invites students to discover how the numbers in an ordered pair are related. (JRH)

Advocated is developing intuitive ideas of limits whenever the opportunity arises in elementary mathematics. Examples are given for geometry, fractions, sequences and series, areas, probability, graphing, and the golden section. (MNS)

Stresses that powers are all based on geometric progressions which start at unity. Various patterns are discussed. (MNS)

Describes a mathematics course that involves the study of growth patterns combined with an analysis of the symmetry of patterns. Briefly outline the curriculum and and discusses key features of the course, such as use of hands-on models, video, slides, and speakers from other disciplines. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Describes an activity that utilizes four pattern blocks to help students understand and explain perimeter. Engages students in making and supporting conjectures about a scenario that involves trains composed of various shapes with different perimeters. (DDR)

Learning activities are given for instruction in the skill of associating numbers with sets of dots, a skill intermediate between counting and higher number concepts. (MP)