Hellenic Mathematical Society International Journal for Mathematics in Education HMS i JME, Volume 5. 2013 (108-131) Kindergartners’ performance on patterning Chrysanthi Skoumpourdi, kara@aegean.gr Abstract: The aim of this article is to investigate the ability of the kindergarten children (5-6 years of age) to extend and reproduce different types of patterns which are constructed with a variety of materials, before formal teaching. From the record of their answers, a correlation was found between their actions in the different pattern constructs which formed six performance types: 1. Modification of the pattern. 2. Deficient extension (reproduction) of the pattern. 3. Random extension (reproduction) of the pattern. 4. Reverse extension (reproduction) of the pattern. 5. Sectional extension (reproduction) of the pattern. 6. Ordinary extension (reproduction) of the pattern. The results of the study showed that kindergarten children’ s performance on patterning was influenced from the pattern construct, from the complexity of the core unit and from the material type. Key words: Patterning, Kindergartners Performance, Repeating Patterns, Growing Patterns, Physical Materials, Printed Materials. INTRODUCTION Many researchers mention the importance of pattern work in children’s mathematical development. Also, guidelines, internationally, suggest the inclusion of patterning within the mathematics curriculum from the early years (ACARA, 2010˙ Depps, 2001˙ DfEE, 1999˙ NCTM, 2000). Patterning begins before kindergarten (Synoś & Swoboda, 2007) when children are given opportunities to explore various materials; they structure