Pattern is fundamental to mathematics. A key idea is that a mathematical pattern is usually not just an arrangement, but involves a rule or mathematical relationship. Exploring pattern develops a sense of regularity and order, which children need to understand and recognise mathematical rules, solve mathematical problems and make generalisations.
When they make patterns, children are learning to apply rules. To be able to repeat a sequence pattern of blocks of colour, or of shapes, numbers, sounds or movements, children must identify the implicit rule in the sequence. For example, a bead necklace has the unit: red, blue, blue, green, and the rule 'repeat sequentially'.
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