What Is a Pattern?
A pattern is a sequence that follows a rule or repeats in a particular way.
Patterns can be made using numbers, shapes, colours, objects and many things we see around us.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what a pattern is.
- Recognise simple repeating patterns.
- Identify what changes in a pattern.
- Predict what comes next.
What Does a Pattern Look Like?
Look at this simple pattern:
The circle and the dot repeat again and again.
So the next object should be a dot.
Repeating Patterns
A repeating pattern is a pattern where the same group repeats again and again.
The repeating group is:
Patterns with Objects
Everyday objects can also form patterns.
The pen and pencil repeat in the same order.
Patterns with Colours
Colours can also be used to make a pattern.
The pattern repeats green, yellow, green, yellow.
Finding What Comes Next
To find what comes next, look carefully at the part that repeats.
The pattern repeats triangle, square.
Patterns Can Have More Than Two Parts
A repeating pattern does not always have only two parts.
Here, the group A, B, C repeats.
Common Mistakes
- Looking at only the last two objects.
- Ignoring the order of the objects.
- Guessing the next object without finding the repeating rule.
- Changing the pattern instead of following it.
Practice
1. Continue: ● ○ ● ○ ● ___.
2. Continue: ▲ ■ ▲ ■ ___.
3. What repeats in 🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵?
4. What comes next: A, B, A, B, A, ___?
5. Make a pattern using two different objects.
Try It Yourself
Choose two objects or colours around you and arrange them in a repeating pattern.
Quick Revision
- A pattern follows a rule or repeats.
- Patterns can use objects, colours or shapes.
- Look for the part that repeats.
- The rule helps us know what comes next.
What Comes Next?
Next, you will learn how numbers can also form patterns.