1
Patterns that repeat
Learner’s Book 1: Unit 16, pp. 230–234
GoalDescribe a repeating pattern, say what comes next and continue a sequence of numbers.
New words
pattern · things that repeat in the same waysequence · a list of things or numbers in an orderrule · what tells us what comes next
Explanation
A pattern is something that repeats again and again. Look at the first few things and find the part that repeats. That part is the rule. Then you can say what comes next. A sequence can be made of numbers, too. The numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 go up by 2 each time. A sequence can also go backwards, like 10, 9, 8, 7. Always say the rule out loud.
Worked examples
Circle, square, circle, square, circle, square. The part that repeats is ‘circle, square’. What comes next? A circle.
Circle, square, square, circle, square, square. The part that repeats is ‘circle, square, square’. What comes next? A circle, and then 2 squares.
The numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 go up by 2 each time. The next number is 10.
Class activity
Pattern parade: use claps, stamps and jumps to make a pattern, for example clap, clap, stamp. Do it 3 times. Your partner must say what comes next. Then use buttons, stones or leaves to make a pattern on the floor.
Practice
1
What comes next?
a circle
2
Which 2 shapes come next?
a square, then a circle
3
Continue the numbers: 10, 9, 8, 7, __
6 (they go down by 1)
4
A pattern goes clap, stamp, stamp, clap, stamp, stamp. What comes next?
clap