Ralph Koster's book, The Theory of Fun, is a great read. It describes us a pattern matching machines whose enjoyment of games often comes from the learning of patterns and extending those patterns. Hit the ball against the colour block to release this, so we can do that - it works in several cases - a strategy! He talks about his children and learning about how we learn by watching them build their pattern matching skills through playing games.

It occured as I was trying to work out what was wrong with Meg this morning that during the first few weeks while the pattern matching skills of the young padawan are getting better - mine are being stressed to the limit. How do I know when she's hungry? How do I know when she's wet?

Well, we look for the signs, listen for "type" of wail, form patterns in our minds that link the signs to the cause. Through trial and error we test these patterns and re-enforce the links. The pain of guilt felt when you get it wrong is a really good way to loosen those incorrectly formed patterns. The relief of "fixing" her problems is incredible - strengthening those links.

Wow, bit of a ramble, but the lack of sleep is really starting to take affect. Til next time :)