Repeating Patterns
A pattern is something that repeats over and over. Let's learn to spot patterns, continue them, and even make our own!
What is a Pattern?
A pattern is a group of things that repeat in the same order, again and again. The part that repeats is called the unit.
When you know the pattern, you can always tell what comes next!
Colour Patterns
AB Pattern (2 things repeat):
Red, Blue, Red, Blue, Red, Blue, Red, Blue!
ABC Pattern (3 things repeat):
Green, Yellow, Purple, Green, Yellow, Purple, Green, Yellow!
AAB Pattern:
Pink, Pink, Orange, Pink, Pink, Orange, Pink, Pink!
Shape Patterns
Patterns can use shapes too!
Circle, Square, Circle, Square... Next is a Square!
Size Patterns
Patterns can even use big and small!
Big, Small, Big, Small... Next is Small!
Key Vocabulary
Pattern
Something that repeats in the same order over and over.
Repeat
To do again in the same way. Patterns repeat!
Unit
The part that repeats. In Red-Blue-Red-Blue, the unit is "Red-Blue".
Continue
To keep going. When we continue a pattern, we work out what comes next.
Worked Examples
What comes next?
Step 1: Look at what repeats: Star, Heart, Star, Heart, Star...
Step 2: The unit is "Star, Heart". After Star comes Heart.
Answer: Next is a Heart ❤️!
What is the repeating unit in this pattern?
Step 1: Look for what repeats: Red, Red, Green, Red, Red, Green.
Step 2: The unit is "Red, Red, Green" and it repeats twice.
Answer: The repeating unit is Red, Red, Green (an AAB pattern).
Find the mistake in this pattern.
Step 1: The pattern should be: Circle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle...
Step 2: The 4th shape is a circle (with the dashed outline), but it should be a triangle!
Answer: The 4th shape is wrong. It should be a triangle, not a circle.
Make Your Own Pattern!
You can create patterns with anything! Try using:
Colours
Shapes
Actions
Clap, stamp, clap, stamp!
Sounds
Beep, boop, beep, boop!
Try this at home:
Use building blocks, crayons, or stickers to make your own AB, ABC, or AAB pattern. Show it to a grown-up and see if they can work out what comes next!
Knowledge Check
Pick the right answer and click "Check Answer"!
Question 1
What comes next in this pattern?
Question 2
What shape comes next?
Question 3
What TWO colours come next?
Question 4
What type of pattern is this?
Question 5
Which one is NOT a pattern?
Key Concepts Summary
- ● A pattern is something that repeats in the same order.
- ● The unit is the part that repeats (like AB, ABC, or AAB).
- ● Patterns can use colours, shapes, sizes, or actions.
- ● To find what comes next, work out the unit and keep repeating it.
- ● You can create your own patterns and challenge your friends!