Importance of Pattern Recognition

Do your children have the ability to recognize patterns and spot opportunities and potential threats? Chances are they don’t.Believe it or not, many 4th graders are stumped when asked to count simple multiples likes 100s, 1000s, and even 11s.The ability to recognize, identify, and create patterns not only supports mathematical learning, it also contributes to broader social development. By understanding patterns, children are able to make predictions about what should come next. 

Patterns can be found in ideas, words, symbols, numbers, and images. They can also be found in behavior, routines, and in nature.

Nearly every desirable occupation requires pattern recognition skills. Doctors often read patient histories and charts to make diagnosis and prescribe treatments, attorneys study case histories before they present their case, analysts study data to predict future price movements, and salespeople use patterns to sell products.

Knowing how important it is to spot existing and emerging patterns, one would think educators would begin training students in pattern recognition at very early ages and would continue developing these skills into adulthood. Sadly, most do not. In fact, recent studies show that most schools are failing to adequately teach important patterning and critical thinking skills.

How to Improve it: Many child prodigies appear to be born with a highly accentuated ability to discern intricate patterns. For the rest of us, patterning skills are taught by interaction with our parents, family members, friends, and the natural environment around us.

There are many teaching techniques available which can help children identify patterns by making them more noticeable. Many web sites offer instructional materials you can download and print which make target patterns stand out visually from surrounding words, letters, and numbers.

• Learning musical instruments teach children important patterns which have been proven to strengthen mathematical ability from an early age.
• Dance classes teach children important movement patterns along with musical patterns
  

Ref:www.mathrise.com