Patterns are sequences that follow a rule and repeat in a predictable way. Recognizing patterns helps students make predictions and see relationships between numbers, shapes, or colors.
Use objects students can handle, such as blocks or beads, to create physical patterns. This makes the concept more concrete and easier to understand.
Repeating patterns have a part that occurs over and over. This part is called the core of the pattern, and it stays the same each time it repeats.
Identify the smallest group of items that repeats and call it the “core.” Have students repeat the core aloud to remember it before extending the pattern.
Growing patterns increase or decrease in a regular way. Each step adds or takes away something, such as more blocks or a larger number.
Have students act out a growing pattern, such as clapping one time, then two times, then three times, to connect movement with number changes.
Patterns are found everywhere, from music and art to nature and calendars. Recognizing them helps students organize information and predict what comes next.
Encourage students to describe patterns using complete sentences, such as “The colors go red, blue, red, blue.” This builds both math and language skills.
Extending a pattern means figuring out what comes next by following the rule. Students use what they know about the core or the change to continue the sequence correctly.
Ask students to explain why they chose the next item in the pattern. This strengthens reasoning skills and confirms they understand the pattern’s rule.