Topic 7 of 7
Simple repeating patterns
Step 1 · Counting and shapes topics
Find the part of a pattern that repeats, say what comes next, and count in patterns.
The part that repeats
A repeating pattern has a part that happens again and again. In circle, square, circle, square, the part that repeats is circle, square.
Say the pattern out loud to hear the part that repeats: "red, blue, red, blue". The repeating part can be longer: red, red, blue, red, red, blue repeats red, red, blue.
What comes next
To find what comes next, say the repeating part again from the start until you reach the gap.
Example: Filling the gap
What goes in the gap above?
- The part that repeats is triangle, triangle, circle.
- After the gap's triangle comes the second triangle of the part.
AnswerA triangle
Counting in a pattern
Patterns help you count. Clap, stamp, clap, stamp, clap, stamp has 3 claps and 3 stamps, because the part "clap, stamp" happens 3 times.
| Times the part repeats | Claps | Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 | 3 |
Patterns are not only shapes. They can be sounds, moves, colors or beads on a string.
Try it yourself
Work each one on paper first, then open the answer to check.
What comes next? ● ■ ● ■ ● ___
Show answer
■, a square. The part that repeats is circle, square.
What is the part that repeats in red, red, blue, red, red, blue?
Show answer
red, red, blue.
Clap, stamp, clap, stamp, clap, stamp. How many claps?
Show answer
3 claps.
What comes next? ▲ ▲ ● ▲ ▲ ● ▲ ___
Show answer
▲, a triangle.
Make your own pattern with two colors.
Show answer
For example blue, white, blue, white, blue, white.