Patterns cut across all the other areas of mathematics. When we look for and identify patterns we can begin to predict results and actually train our minds to make sense of seemingly unrelated information in our world. Our number system is based on patterns (think counting by twos or fives, or our base ten system). But patterns also represent a predictable, repetitive, organizational structure. It is important to surround children with a range of patterns so that they do not simply see a pattern as an ABABAB configuration. Searching for patterns in the environment, artwork, and creating and reading the pattern in children’s designs and structures helps children to generalize the idea of patterns into many realms.