FMT3701
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: JUNE 2026
,FMT3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE JUNE 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the importance of recognizing patterns in early childhood education.
How do patterns serve as a foundation for developing algebraic concepts? (5)
Builds prediction skills - When children see patterns, they learn to predict what
comes next. This helps them think ahead and make good guesses.
Develops logical thinking - Patterns help children see how things are connected.
They learn to think in a logical way.
Builds mathematical foundations - Patterns are the basis for many math concepts.
As the study guide states, "mathematics is a science of pattern and order" (Study
Guide, Unit 1, p. 7; Van de Walle et al., 2014).
Helps make sense of the world – Children see patterns everywhere – in nature, in
music, in daily routines. Understanding patterns helps them make sense of their
world.
Develops problem-solving skills – When children work with patterns, they learn to
find solutions and think creatively.
Serve as a Foundation for Algebraic Concepts
Helps children see relationships – When children work with patterns, they learn
how things are connected. This is the first step to understanding algebra. For
, example, when they see that 2, 4, 6, 8 increases by 2 each time, they are learning
about relationships (Study Guide, Unit 3, p. 47).
Teaches generalization – Children learn to make general rules from specific
examples. The study guide says that "programmes that are organised around big
ideas and focus on problem solving provide cohesive learning opportunities that
allow learners to explore concepts in depth" (Study Guide, Unit 1, p. 9; Ontario
Ministry of Education, 2005:25). For example, when children see that 2+3=5 and
3+2=5, they learn the general rule about addition.
Develops logical reasoning – Patterns help children think in a logical way. They
learn to use "if...then" thinking, which is important for algebra. For example, "if the
pattern is red, blue, red, blue, then the next colour is red" (Study Guide, Unit 3, p.
49).
Builds understanding of functions – A function is a rule that connects two sets of
numbers. When children see patterns, they start to understand this connection. The
study guide explains that "a function is a rule that matches two sets of numbers in
such a way that for each first number there is one - and only one - possible second
number" (Study Guide, Unit 3, p. 51).
Moves from concrete to abstract thinking – Bruner's theory shows that children
learn first with real objects (enactive), then with pictures (iconic), and finally with
symbols (symbolic) (Study Guide, Unit 1, p. 12). Patterns help children move from
using real objects to using numbers and symbols, which is what algebra is all about.
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: JUNE 2026
,FMT3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE JUNE 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Explain the importance of recognizing patterns in early childhood education.
How do patterns serve as a foundation for developing algebraic concepts? (5)
Builds prediction skills - When children see patterns, they learn to predict what
comes next. This helps them think ahead and make good guesses.
Develops logical thinking - Patterns help children see how things are connected.
They learn to think in a logical way.
Builds mathematical foundations - Patterns are the basis for many math concepts.
As the study guide states, "mathematics is a science of pattern and order" (Study
Guide, Unit 1, p. 7; Van de Walle et al., 2014).
Helps make sense of the world – Children see patterns everywhere – in nature, in
music, in daily routines. Understanding patterns helps them make sense of their
world.
Develops problem-solving skills – When children work with patterns, they learn to
find solutions and think creatively.
Serve as a Foundation for Algebraic Concepts
Helps children see relationships – When children work with patterns, they learn
how things are connected. This is the first step to understanding algebra. For
, example, when they see that 2, 4, 6, 8 increases by 2 each time, they are learning
about relationships (Study Guide, Unit 3, p. 47).
Teaches generalization – Children learn to make general rules from specific
examples. The study guide says that "programmes that are organised around big
ideas and focus on problem solving provide cohesive learning opportunities that
allow learners to explore concepts in depth" (Study Guide, Unit 1, p. 9; Ontario
Ministry of Education, 2005:25). For example, when children see that 2+3=5 and
3+2=5, they learn the general rule about addition.
Develops logical reasoning – Patterns help children think in a logical way. They
learn to use "if...then" thinking, which is important for algebra. For example, "if the
pattern is red, blue, red, blue, then the next colour is red" (Study Guide, Unit 3, p.
49).
Builds understanding of functions – A function is a rule that connects two sets of
numbers. When children see patterns, they start to understand this connection. The
study guide explains that "a function is a rule that matches two sets of numbers in
such a way that for each first number there is one - and only one - possible second
number" (Study Guide, Unit 3, p. 51).
Moves from concrete to abstract thinking – Bruner's theory shows that children
learn first with real objects (enactive), then with pictures (iconic), and finally with
symbols (symbolic) (Study Guide, Unit 1, p. 12). Patterns help children move from
using real objects to using numbers and symbols, which is what algebra is all about.
