Beginning processes such as, matching, sorting, comparing, ordering and patterning assist children in recognising attributes, simularities and differences in everyday items. Activities based on these processes assist children in reasoning, problem solving and communication, while they also assist in connecting mathematical ideas. Children are exposed to these processes in their early childhood education through activities that encourage them to match, sort, compare and order objects. It is common for children to identify and describe attributes in a basic manner. For example a child can often identify an object by its colour or size. However, it is important for children to use higher order thinking skills to reason, and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical connections and language. This can be encouraged through questioning, seeking ideas, and creating games that develop these abilities (Irons, 1999).
