Repeating patterns
Create and continue AB, ABB, ABC and more complex repeats.
Quick answer
You can make repeating patterns by choosing a simple sequence of objects, colours, or shapes and then repeating that same sequence over and over again.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to create, continue, and describe simple repeating patterns using objects, colours, shapes, or sounds.
- You can identify the rule of a pattern (like "red, blue, red, blue")
- You can continue a pattern that someone else has started
- You can make your own pattern using a repeating rule
- You can explain what the pattern is doing
Why this matters
Repeating patterns are a key part of algebra readiness. They help you understand how things repeat, grow, and change. This skill will help you solve puzzles, understand maths problems, and even play games better. You already use patterns in your daily life – like the rhythm of your heartbeat or the sequence of your morning routine.
How it works
Patterns are made by repeating a group of things over and over. To make a pattern, follow these steps:
- Choose a simple group – This can be 2, 3, or more things that go together.
- Repeat the group – Take the same group and put it down again and again.
- Look for the rule – What is the pattern? Is it red, blue, red, blue? Or is it A, B, C, A, B, C?
Patterns can be visual (like shapes or colours), sounds (like clapping or tapping), or even actions (like jumping and clapping).
Examples you can see
Let’s look at some simple repeating patterns using shapes and colours:
AB Patterns
These are patterns with two things that repeat:
| Pattern | What it looks like | What the rule is |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, A, B, A, B | Red circle, blue square, red circle, blue square | Red circle, blue square, red circle, blue square |
| 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2 | One block, two blocks, one block, two blocks | One, two, one, two |
ABB Patterns
These are patterns with three things, where the second and third are the same:
| Pattern | What it looks like | What the rule is |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, B, A, B, B | Red circle, blue circle, blue circle, red circle, blue circle, blue circle | Red circle, blue circle, blue circle |
| 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2 | One block, two blocks, two blocks, one block, two blocks, two blocks | One, two, two |
ABC Patterns
These are patterns with three different things that repeat in order:
| Pattern | What it looks like | What the rule is |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C, A, B, C | Red circle, blue square, green triangle, red circle, blue square, green triangle | Red circle, blue square, green triangle |
| 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 | One block, two blocks, three blocks, one block, two blocks, three blocks | One, two, three |
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: Pattern Detective!
You are a detective trying to solve a mystery. You have found a trail of pattern clues. Your job is to find the next two items in each pattern to help solve the mystery.
- Red, Blue, Red, Blue, ?, ?
- Apple, Banana, Cherry, Apple, Banana, Cherry, ?, ?
- Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, ?, ?
Can you solve the mystery by completing the patterns?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that A, B, C, A, B is the same as A, B, A, B.
- Why it happens: It's easy to get confused when there are many items in a pattern.
- Fix: Count the group of items carefully. If you see A, B, C, A, B, C, the group is A, B, C.
- Mistake: Skipping the first item when continuing a pattern.
- Why it happens: Children might get excited to continue the pattern and forget to check the rule.
- Fix: Always look at the first item to make sure you are starting the pattern correctly.
- Mistake: Saying that A, A, B, B is the same as A, B, A, B.
- Why it happens: Children may not notice that the order matters in patterns.
- Fix: Explain that A, A, B, B is different from A, B, A, B because the order changes.
Parent and carer guide
Help your child by:
- Playing pattern games – Use toys, blocks, or even food to make patterns together.
- Looking for patterns in daily life – Ask your child to notice patterns in their room, in the garden, or even in music.
- Encouraging creativity – Let them make up their own patterns and explain the rules.
- Noticing mistakes – If they make a mistake, gently guide them to find the correct rule.
- Using repetition – Repeating patterns helps children understand the concept more deeply.
Remember, it's okay if your child doesn't get it right the first time. Learning patterns is a skill that builds over time. Keep it fun and keep practicing!
Practice questions
- What comes next in the pattern: Red, Blue, Red, Blue, ??
- Complete the pattern: 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, ?, ?
- What is the rule of this pattern: Circle, Triangle, Square, Circle, Triangle, Square?
- Continue the pattern: A, B, C, A, B, C, ?, ?
- Which pattern is different from the others: A, B, A, B or A, B, B, A, B, B?
Answers
- Red
- 1, 2
- Circle, Triangle, Square
- A, B
- A, B, A, B is different because it doesn’t repeat the second and third items twice.
FAQ
What is a repeating pattern?
A repeating pattern is a sequence of things that follow a rule and then repeat that rule over and over again.
Why are patterns important in maths?
Patterns help us predict what comes next and understand how things grow or change. They are the foundation for learning algebra later on.
Can patterns be made with sounds?
Yes! You can make a pattern by clapping, tapping, or even humming. For example: Clap, Snap, Clap, Snap is a repeating pattern.
How can I help my child learn patterns at home?
You can use everyday objects like toys, food, or even actions like jumping and clapping to make patterns together. Try asking your child to continue a pattern you've started.
What age should children start learning patterns?
Children can start learning simple patterns as early as 3 or 4 years old. They can begin with just 2 or 3 items and grow to more complex patterns as they get older.