Patterning

"Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence." -Dr. Maria Montessori

We are almost at the finish line. T-minus two weeks left of school. We have been supporting distance learning in a variety of ways and homeschooling our children for three months now. Wow. We have set up new routines and structures. New patterns. Some of these have worked and some have not. And that is okay. Our students have had to learn in a whole new way to learn, and for part of it, we have had to sit back and let them navigate it on their own. As a parent, I can attest, that this has been quite hard at times. For the children and for us. But it is also something I am beyond words proud of to have been a part of. To have this unexpected, precious time with all three of my children and to be able to observe their minds at work. To watch them grow and evolve before my very eyes. As a teacher, it has been incredible to witness my students' resiliency and flexibility. They have taught me so much about the importance of not looking back, or fretting about something down the road, but rather, to be in the present moment. I am grateful to each and every one of them.

At this point in the school year, whether we are in the classroom or at home in quarantine, the feelings are the same. A mix of sadness for the school year ending and the thought of missing our friends and teachers over the summer. But it is also exciting to look forward to summer adventures and what the next school year will be like. At my home, we are still keeping up with our morning and afternoon work cycle, but our extra activities have become more creative and free form. One thing we have been doing is patterning. This fosters math and spatial reasoning skills. It also encourages creativity and mindfulness. Patterns are all around us. Some patterns are more obvious such as in blocks or Legos, while some take an outside-the-box thinking such as in food, crayons, or items found in the laundry. And of course, there are some incredible patterns out there in nature- in flowers, rocks, leaves, sticks, or even clouds. 

Encourage your children to find or build some patterns. You might even find yourself joining in the fun! It is both relaxing and satisfying. And when they show you their work, ask them to tell you about it. Listen to what patterns they see or create. Hear their connections and observations. That is enough. And, IF a child wants to do more with their patterning, of course, they can draw or write about it. Some may want to create a story or play. Great! Anything goes. No expectations. No pushing them to do more. Just letting the patterns (and our children) come and be.