Perhaps you imagine geometrical shapes arranged in particular ways. Maybe pattern for you is about repetition. Perhaps you think of a sequence of numbers, going up in equal steps. Or...
The tasks in this feature will give you the chance to identify different kinds of pattern, copy patterns, extend patterns and create your own, all of which will help you think mathematically.
Pattern making
In this activity, there are lots of different patterns for children to make, describe and extend.
Chairs and tables
Make a chair and table out of interlocking cubes, making sure that the chair fits under the table!
Repeating patterns
Try continuing these patterns made from triangles. Can you create your own repeating pattern?
Digit addition
Try out this number trick. What happens with different starting numbers? What do you notice?
Chain of changes
Arrange the shapes in a line so that you change either colour or shape in the next piece along. Can you find several ways to start with a blue triangle and end with a red circle?
Missing middles
Can you work out the domino pieces which would go in the middle in each case to complete the pattern of these eight sets of three dominoes?
Up and down staircases
One block is needed to make an up-and-down staircase, with one step up and one step down. How many blocks would be needed to build an up-and-down staircase with 5 steps up and 5 steps down?
Tables without tens
Play to 37
In this game for two players, the idea is to take it in turns to choose 1, 3, 5 or 7. The winner is the first to make the total 37.
Sticky triangles