Identifying, creating and completing patterns help kids learn important problem solving and mathematical reasoning skills. Being able to recognize patterns is one of the foundations for algebra.
Here's a game you can play that will help your child explore patterns and get exercise at the same time! Show your child how to make patterns by skipping and hopping (e.g., skip – hop – skip – hop, or skip – skip – hop – skip – skip – hop). Start the pattern and then ask your child to complete it (e.g., skip – hop – skip – hop – what comes next?). Then ask your child to start a pattern for you to finish. You can also make patterns by clapping your hands (e.g., 2 claps – 1 clap – 2 claps – 1 clap, and so on) and stomping your feet (e.g., clap – stomp – clap – stomp, and so on). Ask your child to think of other fun ways to make patterns!