Patterns, Space, Measurement & Data
Patterns
Grade 1 · Grade 2 · Grade 3
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and describe repeating geometric patterns.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to extend repeating geometric patterns.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and describe simple number patterns.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to extend simple number patterns.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to create their own patterns.
Key concepts
A geometric pattern is a sequence of shapes, objects, colours, or sizes that repeat in a predictable way. To understand a geometric pattern, we look for the part that repeats. This repeating part is called the 'rule' of the pattern. For example, 'circle, square, circle, square...' is a geometric pattern where 'circle, square' is the repeating part.
A number pattern is a sequence of numbers that follow a specific rule. This rule tells us how to get from one number to the next. For example, in the pattern '2, 4, 6, 8...', the rule is to add 2 to the previous number. Number patterns can involve counting forwards (e.g., adding the same number each time) or counting backwards (e.g., subtracting the same number each time).
Key facts to remember
- 1A pattern is something that repeats in a predictable way.
- 2The 'rule' of a pattern tells us what repeats or how numbers change.
- 3Geometric patterns use shapes, colours, sizes, or objects.
- 4Number patterns use numbers that follow a counting rule (e.g., adding or subtracting the same number).
- 5Patterns can go forwards (increasing) or backwards (decreasing).
- 6We can use patterns to predict what comes next.
Worked examples
Example 1
Look at the pattern below. Draw the next two shapes to complete the pattern.\nTriangle, Square, Triangle, Square, ___, ___
Answer
Triangle, Square
Always look for the part that repeats!
Example 2
Complete the number pattern: 5, 10, 15, ___, ___, 30
Answer
20, 25
Say the numbers out loud as you count to help find the rule.
Example 3
Draw the next two items in the pattern: Big Red Circle, Small Blue Circle, Big Red Circle, Small Blue Circle, ___, ___
Answer
Big Red Circle, Small Blue Circle
Remember to look at ALL the features: shape, size, and colour.
Common mistakes
- ✗Not identifying the *entire* repeating part of a geometric pattern (e.g., only seeing shape, not colour and size).
- ✗Guessing the rule for a number pattern instead of checking the difference between *all* given numbers.
- ✗Only extending a pattern by one step when more are required.
- ✗Confusing counting forwards with counting backwards.
Exam tips
- ★Always look carefully at the first few elements of the pattern to find the rule.
- ★For number patterns, calculate the difference between consecutive numbers to find the rule.
- ★Draw or write out the next few steps clearly when extending patterns.
- ★Check your answer by applying the rule to the last given element and seeing if it matches the next element you found.
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