Look, then try.
The picture shows one way to begin. Pick two pieces that look different, such as a pink circle and a yellow square. Lay them down as your repeating part, then place the same two pieces again, and again. Say your pattern out loud while you point: circle, square, circle, square. Hearing the rule helps you predict the next piece. Your pieces can be anything that differs, such as two colours, two shapes, or a big piece and a small one.
An adult helps with cutting the pattern cards. Keep paper scraps away from younger children. Move gently during movement patterns: seated movements work too, and no jumping is needed.
Use a finger, stylus or mouse in each drawing box. Type below it, or ask a grown-up to write your words. Your work stays in this tab. Save before refreshing or leaving.
Choose two pieces
Draw the two pieces you picked. Make them look different from each other.
Make your repeat
Draw your repeating part. Then draw it again beside it.
Say it aloud
Point and say your pattern to a grown-up or to yourself. Then draw what would come next.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
A repeating pattern grows from a small unit that returns in the same order. Saying the rule aloud helps you predict what comes next, and prediction is where early algebra begins.
Prefer a worksheet?
Open the individual cartoon activity sheet to print or save. Use portrait orientation and fit to page.
Open worksheet to save ↓Try another pattern activity.
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 · Save