Jungle maths quest: patterns

Quick answer

Patterns are repeating or growing sequences that help us predict what comes next. In a jungle adventure, you might see a pattern of vines, rocks, and bridges that help you find your way to a hidden temple.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to find, copy, and continue simple repeating and growing patterns using objects, pictures, and numbers.

• You can spot a pattern in a sequence of shapes or numbers
• You can copy a pattern using blocks or drawings
• You can predict what comes next in a pattern
• You can create your own simple pattern

Why this matters

Patterns help you understand how things work in the world around you. In the jungle, patterns help you find your way to treasure. In your daily life, patterns help you understand sequences like your morning routine, the days of the week, or even the rhythm in your favourite song. Patterns are also important for learning maths and science because they help us predict what will happen next. When you understand patterns, you become better at solving puzzles, understanding numbers, and even learning to read!

How it works

Patterns are made of things that repeat or grow in a specific way. There are two main types of patterns:

1. Repeating patterns – These are sequences that go like A, B, A, B, A, B, and so on. Think of a pattern like red, blue, red, blue, red, blue.
2. Growing patterns – These are patterns where each step gets bigger or more complex. For example, one block, then two blocks, then three blocks, then four blocks.

To find a pattern, look for what is the same and what is different. Ask yourself: What comes next? What is the rule?

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you are on a jungle quest. You come across a bridge made of logs. You notice the pattern:

• Log, Rope, Log, Rope, Log, Rope

This is a repeating pattern. What comes next? A log!

Here's another example: You find a trail of stones. The number of stones increases each step:

• 1 stone, 2 stones, 3 stones, 4 stones

This is a growing pattern. What comes next? 5 stones!

Try drawing these patterns with your fingers or blocks:

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are on a jungle quest to find a hidden temple. You must follow the path of patterns to get there. Here's your adventure:

1. First, you see a pattern of vines and logs: V, L, V, L, V, L
2. Second, you find a path of stones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
3. Third, you discover a pattern of animal footprints: Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right
4. Fourth, you see a trail of fruit: Apple, Banana, Apple, Banana, Apple, Banana

Now it's your turn! What comes next in each pattern?

• Vine, Log, Vine, Log, Vine, Log, ?
• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ?
• Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, ?
• Apple, Banana, Apple, Banana, Apple, Banana, ?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking the pattern is different when it's the same. For example, seeing "Red, Blue, Red, Blue" and thinking it's "Red, Red, Blue, Blue." Why it happens: Not looking carefully at what comes next. Fix: Count again and look at each item one by one.
• Mistake: Skipping numbers in a growing pattern like 1, 3, 5, 7, and thinking the next is 9. Why it happens: Not noticing the rule (adding 2 each time). Fix: Write the numbers and count up by 2s to check.
• Mistake: Forgetting that the pattern must repeat exactly. Why it happens: Not paying attention to the sequence. Fix: Use physical objects or draw the pattern to see it clearly.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child by:

1. Looking for patterns around the house, like the tiles on the floor or the buttons on a shirt.
2. Playing pattern games with blocks or toys.
3. Using everyday moments to talk about patterns: "What comes next in our bedtime routine?"
4. Encouraging them to create their own patterns and explain the rule.
5. Not worrying if they make mistakes – they're learning!

At home, you can:

• Use a pattern game app or website that focuses on simple patterns.
• Draw patterns together using crayons or markers.
• Count together in patterns like 2, 4, 6, 8 or 5, 10, 15, 20.

Practice questions

1. What comes next in this pattern: Circle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, ?
2. Continue the pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, ?
3. What comes next in this pattern: Red, Yellow, Green, Red, Yellow, Green, ?
4. Complete the pattern: 1, 3, 5, 7, ?
5. What comes next in this pattern: A, B, C, A, B, C, ?

Answers:

1. Triangle
2. 10
3. Red
4. 9
5. A

FAQ

What is a pattern?

A pattern is a sequence of things that repeat or grow in a specific way. It helps us predict what comes next.

How do I find a pattern?

Look for what is the same and what is different. Ask: What comes next? What is the rule?

Why are patterns important?

Patterns help us understand the world, solve problems, and predict what will happen next. They are used in maths, science, music, and even in nature!

Can patterns be in numbers?

Yes! Patterns can be in numbers like 2, 4, 6, 8 or in shapes like circle, square, circle, square.

How can I help my child learn patterns at home?

Look for patterns in daily life, play pattern games, and encourage your child to create their own patterns with toys or drawings.