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manipulatives

Pattern blocks activities

Explore symmetry, fractions, angles and tessellation.

Quick answer

Pattern blocks are fun, colourful shapes that help you explore patterns, symmetry, fractions, angles, and tessellations – all while playing and building!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use pattern blocks to make shapes, find patterns, and solve simple problems involving symmetry and fractions. Success signs:
  • You can make a pattern using different pattern blocks
  • You can spot lines of symmetry in your shapes
  • You can use pattern blocks to show parts of a whole
  • You can explain how pattern blocks fit together without gaps

Why this matters

Pattern blocks help you understand how shapes fit together, which is useful in art, design, and even building houses. You’ll use them to explore how maths works in the world around you – like how tiles fit on a floor or how a mosaic is made. They're also great for learning about fractions, angles, and symmetry – all important skills in maths and beyond.

How it works

Pattern blocks are flat shapes that fit together in many ways. They come in different sizes and colours:
  • Hexagons (6 sides)
  • Triangles (3 sides)
  • Squares (4 sides)
  • Parallelograms (4 sides, slanted)
  • Trapeziums (4 sides, one pair of parallel)
  • Red rhombuses (4 sides, like a diamond)
You can use them to:
  1. Make patterns by repeating shapes
  2. Build bigger shapes using smaller ones
  3. Find symmetry by folding or drawing lines
  4. Explore fractions by comparing parts to a whole

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how you can use pattern blocks in fun ways. Example 1: Making a Pattern You can make a repeating pattern like triangle, square, triangle, square, triangle, square. This pattern repeats every 2 shapes. Example 2: Building Shapes Try using 6 triangles to make a hexagon. You’ll find that 6 triangles fit perfectly around one point to make a hexagon shape. Example 3: Symmetry Place a square block in the middle and add blocks on each side to match. If you fold it in half, both sides should look the same. This is a line of symmetry. Example 4: Fractions If a hexagon is one whole shape, then a triangle is 1/6 of the hexagon. A trapezium is 1/2 of the hexagon.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build a Pattern City You are the mayor of a pattern city! Your job is to build a city using pattern blocks. Here's your task:
  1. 4th time: Place a hexagon in the middle of your paper
  2. 5th time: Add a triangle around one side of the hexagon
  3. 6th time: Add a square next to the triangle
  4. 7th time: Add a trapezium next to the square
  5. 8th time: Continue your pattern by repeating the shape sequence
Now, see if you can make a pattern that goes: triangle, square, trapezium, triangle, square, trapezium. Can you find a pattern that uses 4 different shapes? What happens when you use the same pattern over and over?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that all shapes fit together perfectly. Why it happens: Not trying different combinations. Fix: Try placing shapes next to each other to see if they fit.
  • Mistake: Counting the sides wrong. Why it happens: Getting confused between triangles and trapeziums. Fix: Count the sides carefully and match them to the shape name.
  • Mistake: Not seeing symmetry. Why it happens: Not checking if both sides match. Fix: Draw a line down the middle and see if both sides are the same.
  • Mistake: Thinking a triangle is half of a hexagon. Why it happens: Not comparing sizes. Fix: Use 6 triangles to make one hexagon and see how many fit.

Parent and carer guide

Pattern blocks are a great way to help your child learn about shapes, symmetry, and fractions. Here’s how you can support them:
  • Ask questions like: “What shape did you use next?” or “How many triangles make a hexagon?”
  • Let your child create their own patterns and tell you about them.
  • Use the blocks to build a house, a garden, or a road – encourage creativity.
  • Try to make a pattern that repeats 3 times – this helps with understanding sequences.
  • Point out symmetry in everyday things like leaves, butterflies, or buildings.
Remember: It’s okay if your child makes mistakes – they’re part of learning. Don’t worry if they don’t get it right away, and always praise their effort.

Practice questions

  1. How many triangles fit into a hexagon?
  2. Which shape has 4 sides and is slanted?
  3. What fraction of a hexagon is a triangle?
  4. Can you make a pattern using 3 shapes that repeats?
  5. How many sides does a square have?
Answers:
  1. 6 triangles
  2. Parallelogram
  3. 1/6
  4. Yes, for example: triangle, square, trapezium, triangle, square, trapezium
  5. 4 sides

FAQ

What are pattern blocks?

Pattern blocks are flat shapes in different colours and sizes that you can use to make patterns, designs, and explore maths concepts like symmetry and fractions.

Can I use pattern blocks to learn about fractions?

Yes! You can use pattern blocks to show how parts make a whole. For example, 6 triangles make a hexagon, so 1 triangle is 1/6 of the hexagon.

How do I find symmetry with pattern blocks?

Place a shape in the middle and add matching shapes on each side. If both sides look the same, you’ve found a line of symmetry.

Are pattern blocks good for learning angles?

Yes! You can see how angles fit together and compare them by placing shapes next to each other.

What can I build with pattern blocks?

You can build anything from animals to buildings, cities, or even tessellations – patterns that cover a surface without gaps.