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Garden Maths

Maths hiding in garden: garden paths

Make repeating paving patterns and predict the next tile.

Quick answer

Maths hiding in garden: garden paths is all about noticing repeating patterns in the tiles or stones that make up garden paths. You can use maths to predict what comes next in a pattern and even create your own!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to look at a garden path and spot the repeating pattern of tiles or stones. You will also be able to predict what the next tile will be and create your own pattern using shapes or colours. Success signs:
  • You can describe a pattern using words like "red, blue, red, blue"
  • You can predict what the next tile will be in a pattern
  • You can make a new pattern using different shapes or colours
  • You can explain how patterns help us understand maths in the garden

Why this matters

Patterns are everywhere around us, especially in gardens! When you look at a garden path, you are seeing maths in action. Patterns help you understand how things repeat and grow. This skill is useful in many areas of maths and helps you solve problems. You might use patterns when you're designing your own garden, planning a party, or even when you're playing games. Recognising patterns helps your brain think logically and makes you better at maths.

How it works

Patterns in garden paths work like this:
  1. First, you look at the tiles or stones to see what repeats
  2. Then, you describe the pattern using words or pictures
  3. Next, you predict what comes next
  4. Finally, you can create your own pattern

Examples you can see

Let's look at a garden path made of different coloured tiles. Here is a simple pattern:
  • Red tile
  • Blue tile
  • Red tile
  • Blue tile
This is a repeating pattern. The pattern is: red, blue, red, blue. Try this: If you see this pattern going on, what will the next tile be? It will be red because the pattern is red, blue, red, blue, red. Here is another example using shapes:
  • Circle tile
  • Square tile
  • Triangle tile
  • Circle tile
  • Square tile
  • Triangle tile
This pattern repeats: circle, square, triangle, circle, square, triangle. Try this: What comes next? It will be a circle because the pattern is circle, square, triangle, circle, square, triangle, circle.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Pattern Detective You are a garden path detective! Your job is to find patterns in your garden path or a path in your neighbourhood. 1st time: Look at a path and identify the first tile in the pattern. 2nd time: Identify the second tile in the pattern. 3rd time: Identify the third tile in the pattern. 4th time: Describe the pattern you see. 5th time: Predict what the next tile will be. 6th time: Draw or make the next tile in the pattern. Challenge: If you find a path with a pattern that repeats every 4 tiles, what will the 8th tile be? What about the 12th tile?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that a pattern is just one tile repeated over and over.
    Why it happens: Children sometimes see a single tile and think that is the whole pattern.
    Fix: Look at more than one tile to see how the pattern repeats.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to check if the pattern is really repeating.
    Why it happens: It's easy to get confused when the pattern looks different.
    Fix: Look carefully at each tile to see if it follows the same sequence.
  • Mistake: Thinking that patterns always have to be the same shape or colour.
    Why it happens: Some children think that patterns must look exactly the same.
    Fix: Patterns can be made with different shapes, sizes, or colours, as long as they repeat in a regular way.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Looking at garden paths together and asking them to describe the pattern
  • Letting them predict what the next tile will be
  • Encouraging them to make their own pattern with paper tiles or stones
  • Playing pattern games using different materials like buttons, blocks, or toys
  • Noticing patterns in everyday life like the sequence of lights on a Christmas tree or the design on a wallpaper
What to say:
  • "Can you see the pattern in the tiles?"
  • "What do you think comes next?"
  • "Let's make a new pattern together!"
What not to worry about:
  • It's okay if your child doesn't get it right away
  • Pattern recognition takes time and practice
  • Encourage them to keep trying and exploring

Practice questions

  1. What comes next in this pattern: red, blue, red, blue, red, ?
  2. What comes next in this pattern: circle, square, triangle, circle, square, triangle, circle, ?
  3. What comes next in this pattern: yellow, green, yellow, green, yellow, green, ?
  4. What comes next in this pattern: star, heart, star, heart, star, heart, ?
  5. Can you make a pattern with 3 shapes that repeats?
Answers:
  1. Blue
  2. Square
  3. Yellow
  4. Star
  5. Answers will vary, e.g., triangle, circle, square, triangle, circle, square

FAQ

What is a pattern?

A pattern is a repeated sequence of shapes, colours, or sizes. In garden paths, you might see a pattern of red tiles followed by blue tiles that repeats over and over.

Why do we need to learn about patterns?

Patterns help us understand how things repeat and grow. They are used in maths, science, music, and art. Learning about patterns helps you solve problems and think logically.

How can I find patterns in the garden?

Look at garden paths, flower beds, or even the design on garden furniture. You can look for repeating shapes, colours, or sizes. Try to describe the pattern with words or draw it out.

Can patterns be made with different things?

Yes! Patterns can be made with shapes, colours, sizes, or even sounds. For example, you can make a pattern with the sound of clapping or the rhythm of footsteps.

What if I don't see a pattern?

That's okay! Not all designs have a clear pattern. Sometimes, a garden path might be random. But even in random designs, you can still look for interesting arrangements or groupings of tiles or stones.