Nursery World - Enabling Environments: Collections

In the first of a two-part series on pattern, Nicole Weinstein
looks at the concept that underpins it all - mathematics -and suggests
resources to encourage children to design, build or observe patterns in
order to make sense of the world around them.

We live in a universe of patterns where every night the stars move in circles across the sky.' This is the opening line in Professor Ian Stewart's book Nature's Numbers, which takes readers on a journey into patterns in nature and the world around us and how this is linked to mathematics.

Investigating pattern is central to the mathematics curriculum for young children. With the very young, it can be explored though listening to rhythmic patterns and rhymes in stories and songs, or by pointing out simple patterns in books and pictures. Resources such as building blocks, peg boards or familiar objects can be used to create and recreate patterns and build models. Children might also use visual art and crafts -wrapping paper, fabric, Lego bricks - to demonstrate their understanding of pattern.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included