Finding and understanding patterns is crucial to mathematical thinking and problem solving. It is easier for students to understand patterns when they organize their information. Struggling students may find it helpful to organize information in a problem because it requires a student to think more deeply about each piece of information and how those pieces fit together. When students verbalize what they know, it helps them to reflect upon and clarify the problem and focus on one step at a time. “Thinking aloud” requires talking through the details, decisions, and the reasoning behind those decisions.