I was playing cribbage with Husband when I found my hand to be 8, 4, 2, 2 and the cut card was also a 2. I focused hard to see if I could come up with 15. (If any group of cards add to 15, you get two points.)
My resolve was strong. Then I remembered that for any group of numbers to add up to an odd number, one of them must be odd.
While shuffling for the next hand, I started thinking about adding evens and odds:
- Even + Even = Even
- Odd + Odd = Even
- Odd + Even = Odd
This looked familiar. Then I remembered the rules of multiplying positives and negatives:
- Pos x Pos = Pos
- Neg x Neg = Pos
- Neg x Pos = Neg
I was so excited to notice this. Alas, I’m pretty sure I’ve noticed it before. I love rediscovering patterns as much as discovering them!
Look for patterns everywhere.
Always keep your eyes peeled for similarities. When you see them, if your children are old enough, use leading questions to get them to observe the same thing. If they aren’t old enough, keep a journal to share things with them later. Encourage your kids to look for patterns in everything. Use toys and manipulatives to improve this, but also use nature and everyday activities. What patterns or nifty things in math have you noticed recently?
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