Make a repeating pattern.
Find the rule, then keep it going.
A pattern repeats a small unit in the same order. With a handful of large paper shapes, children can copy a rule, predict what comes next and invent a rule of their own. The five Pattern Studio pages below turn each step into a draw-and-save activity.
Five little pattern activities.
Draw, type and save your work on separate activity pages.
How to Make a PatternChoose two pieces, lay down your repeat and keep it going.
Draw · Type · Save
My Pattern PiecesSort your shape cards, build long rows and swap patterns to solve.
Draw · Type · Save
Finish My PatternFind the rule in each row, then draw the piece that comes next.
Draw · Type · Save
My Own PatternInvent a repeating part that is all yours, then challenge someone to continue it.
Draw · Type · Save
Move in a PatternTurn a pattern into gentle moves: clap, tap, reach.
Draw · Type · SaveLet's make it happen.
Prepare your pieces
Tear or cut at least six large shapes in each of two colours. Keep the pieces easy to pick up.
Start a repeating unit
Place a pink shape, then a yellow shape. Say the order aloud. This pair is your repeating unit.
Keep the rule going
Repeat the pair three more times. Point to each piece and say the colours. Ask what should come next and why.
Become a pattern detective
Ask an adult to remove one piece while you look away. Find the gap and explain which piece belongs there.
Invent and swap
Make a new unit, such as pink-pink-yellow. Repeat it at least three times. Let someone else extend it, then swap roles.
What's happening here?
A repeating pattern has a unit that appears again and again. Recognising the unit is more useful than guessing a single next item: it helps children explain and predict the entire sequence.
Keep the wondering going.
- What is the smallest part that repeats?
- Can you clap your pattern instead of showing it?
- Is pink-pink-yellow the same rule as pink-yellow-pink?
Make it work for you.
Keep it simple
Use two highly contrasting colours and just one shape. Copy a short pattern together, then extend it by one piece.
Take it further
Change two features, such as colour and shape. Write AAB or ABC under each repeating unit and predict the twelfth piece. Then try the Finish My Pattern sheet and check the rules in the answers section.
Not quite going to plan?
If the rule gets lost, separate the repeating units with a little space. Say each unit as a short rhythm before joining the row again.
My pattern notebook
Draw a repeating unit, extend it, then invent a new rule.
Image · prints on A4 or Letter using “fit to page”. Plain paper works just as well.
Download the sheet Open image to print ↗You may print and use this original activity sheet at home or in your classroom. Please link to the activity page when sharing it online.
