What is the main purpose of the teacher introducing patterns with cubes when teaching addition?

The primary purpose of introducing patterns with cubes when teaching addition is to recall prior knowledge. By using cubes to create patterns, teachers can help students make connections to their existing understanding of numbers and operations. This hands-on approach allows students to visualize the concept of addition, reinforcing their comprehension of numerical relationships and encouraging them to draw on their past experiences with counting and grouping.

Utilizing cubes and patterns can also facilitate deeper learning by engaging students in a tactile and visual method that highlights the foundational skills necessary for addition. As students manipulate cubes and observe how they can be grouped and combined, they reinforce their numeric understanding and apply their prior knowledge in a new context. This scaffolding technique enables learners to build upon what they already know, making them more confident and capable in their mathematical journey.