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Project guide

An awareness of pattern is fundamental to a child's learning in the early years. The early learning goal relating to pattern - 'talk about, recognise and recreate simple patterns' - falls within mathematical development, but pattern permeates the whole early years curriculum,as an understanding of pattern strengthens and develops children's knowledge in all six areas of learning. For example, recognising patterns in nature and the man-made world helps develop children's knowledge and understanding of the world; being aware of pattern in rhyme aids children's language and literacy skills; hearing patterns in music and design enhances children's creative development; regular patterns in everyday routines build security and confidence; patterns in games and dance add to children's physical development.

For example, recognising patterns in nature and the man-made world helps develop children's knowledge and understanding of the world; being aware of pattern in rhyme aids children's language and literacy skills; hearing patterns in music and design enhances children's creative development; regular patterns in everyday routines build security and confidence; patterns in games and dance add to children's physical development.

The activities outlined in this four-part project aim to illustrate thecross-curricular nature of pattern and only the most relevant areas of learning are indicated, although others will apply. The areas of learning are indicated by:

Personal, social and emotional development

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