Learning to recognize patterns gives children a big boost toward learning every branch of mathematics, from counting to algebra. For example, understanding the pattern of counting by twos, threes, fours, and fives sets the stage for children to learn how to multiply by those numbers when they are older.

Fundamental to recognizing patterns is being able to identify similarities and differences in the way things look or sound. This skill can be strengthened through games and puzzles of all kinds, as well as poetry and songs. ABCmouse.com offers a wide range of activities to help children increase this skill. .