Exploring the development and stimulation of Spontaneous Focusing On Patterns (SFOP)

Patterning, the ability to identify and operate with regularities in sequences such as ABABAB, is a significant predictor of mathematical performance. Spontaneous Focusing On Patterns (SFOP) is a dispositional component of patterning that refers to an individual’s tendency to notice patterns without direct instruction. There is very little research into SFOP and its role in the development of patterning skills, despite it being embedded in a rich literature of other “Spontaneous Focusing On…” (SFOx) tendencies such as Spontaneous Focusing On Number (SFON) and Relations (SFOR). This short article reports a cross-sectional study exploring how SFOP changes between the ages of 4–11 years, and whether SFOP tendencies can be encouraged by first engaging in a repeating patterns activity. We found that children aged 4–8 years engaged in SFOP, and no evidence that completing a repeating patterns activity promoted SFOP tendencies. Our findings add value to the sparse literature of SFOP and stimulate theoretical discussion about the nature of SFOx tendencies. • We investigated developmental trends in Spontaneous Focusing on Patterns (SFOP). • SFOP rates were similar in young (4–6 years) and older (7–8 years) children. • No evidence that SFOP was stimulated by completing a brief patterning activity. • SFOP rates in this study are similar to rates in a previous study in Belgium. • Other SFOP tasks and longitudinal work is needed.