Knowledge of Patterns and Relationships
Photodisc / Thinkstock
As young children encounter repeating patterns in daily life, they begin to understand that the natural world is organized. As their thinking becomes more sophisticated, they apply knowledge of concrete patterns to more abstract concepts and ideasthe essence of understanding the predictability and rhythms of phenomena, social interactions, and behavior. For instance, the idea of taking turns represents a simple patternfirst I use the red marker, then I give it to you, then you give it back to me.
In the absence of an internalized sense of predictability and patterns, the child would not know what to expect nexta chaotic existence to be sure. Decisions teachers make about materials, routines, schedules, and how to organize a classroom reinforce concepts of patterns and relationships. Teachers promote an understanding of patterns and relationships in many kinds of activities, as discussed later in this chapter.