Young Children's Movement in outside Spaces: Could This Reveal Mathematical Awareness?

An awareness of pattern and structure (AMPS) is critical in young children's mathematical development (Mulligan & Mitchelmore, 2009). AMPS is formally assessed in the early years of school (K-3), in structured conditions using predetermined materials, requiring verbal and written responses. However, children also express mathematical thinking non-verbally. What is not understood, is if or how, pattern and structure may emerge informally through movement. For example, could AMPS be embodied through children's movement in outdoor play spaces? Theoretical perspectives on embodied mathematical cognition and mathematical pattern and structure will be presented to discuss possible relationships between AMPS and children's movement outdoors.