Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children compare, sort, group, organize and measure objects and create patterns in their everyday environment.

Skill Progression: Patterning

Age: 42-48 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.

Using blocks of different sizes as a stimulus for discussing the day’s activities. First, tell each of the children to think of something they want to tell their partner about what they are going to do today, tonight, and tomorrow. Children each take a block and set it down for each statement.

Now have one partner make a pattern for the other. This time the pattern-maker removes one piece while her partner is turned away. When they turn back, see if the partner can figure out and fill in the missing piece of the pattern.

Children identify a missing element when one is removed.

Use manipulatives, such as Cuisenaire or other counting rods or blocks to help children see growing patterns as well as repeat patterns.