Patterns and Routines
Patterns help us predict and remember things and can be fun. Babies are comforted and reassured by a consistent pattern (routine) such as playing, cuddling and napping. Children who are learning to talk add “s” to any word in order to make more. Patterns and routines help children feel a sense of comfort, security and control because they know what to expect. This is one of the reasons children will have a favourite book, video or game. Continue to read it with them, watch it with them, or play it with them as it is one of the few things (at this stage) that they have control over and know what to expect…this provides comfort. Routines such as bedtime and eating also provide security.

Children are naturally drawn to patterns and will make patterns themselves with blocks, colours, and toys. A parent can extend that pattern learning by discussing the pattern with them. Pointing out patterns that they may not be aware of such as can be found in nature or daily routines can be helpful to their learning. Being aware of your child’s behaviour patterns can also provide the parent with ways to make the behaviour better. For example, if your child always gets cranky at 1:30 pm (and that is when you shop for groceries) you might instead put your child down for a nap at that time and shop for groceries when he or she wakes up.

Having the ability to predict what will happen next also gives children a sense of security. This ability will develop naturally when a child’s daily life has consistent routines. As children learn to predict the results of their actions, this helps them to learn how to interact with others in positive ways. For example, when they share their toys with another child, they are able to play with their friend’s toys as well. Being able to predict helps us to understand what we read. Good readers predict what will come next in the story. Being able to predict also helps readers figure out words that they don’t already know.