X Tables
Scratchjr Maths

ScratchJr pattern costumes maths mission

A practical mini-mission using pattern costumes to practise AB patterns through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can create a fun ScratchJr pattern costumes maths mission by using patterns like ABAB to design your character's costume. This helps you learn to spot and make repeating patterns using simple actions or sprites in ScratchJr.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create and repeat simple AB patterns in ScratchJr to design your own costume, just like a costume designer! Success signs:
  • You can name and show an AB pattern (like red-blue-red-blue).
  • You can make a repeating pattern using two different actions or costumes in ScratchJr.
  • You can describe how your pattern repeats using words or pictures.
  • You can find AB patterns in your daily life or games.

Why this matters

Patterns are everywhere – in your school uniform, your favourite songs, your bedtime routine, and even in video games and apps like ScratchJr. Learning about patterns helps you understand how things repeat, predict what comes next, and solve problems. When you use patterns in ScratchJr, you're not just making a fun costume – you're building your brain to think logically and creatively.

How it works

In ScratchJr, a pattern is a sequence of actions or costumes that repeat. For example, if you have two sprites (like a red circle and a blue circle), you can make them appear in a repeating order: red, blue, red, blue, red, blue. This is an AB pattern. You can make these patterns using:
  1. Two different costumes or actions
  2. Repeating those actions or costumes in order
  3. Using the “repeat” block to make it go on and on

Examples you can see

Imagine you're designing a superhero costume in ScratchJr. You want your hero to wear a pattern of stripes. Here’s how you could make it:
  • Sprite 1 = red stripe
  • Sprite 2 = blue stripe
  • Then: red, blue, red, blue, red, blue…
This is an AB pattern. You can make this pattern in ScratchJr by:
  1. Adding two different costumes to your sprite
  2. Using the “when I start” block to begin
  3. Using the “repeat” block to show the pattern
Example 1: Dressing up your character You have two different hats:
  • Red hat
  • Blue hat
You make your character wear them in this order: red, blue, red, blue, red, blue. This is an AB pattern. Example 2: Making a pattern with sounds In ScratchJr, you can also make sounds repeat:
  • Sound 1 = “clap”
  • Sound 2 = “stomp”
Then: clap, stomp, clap, stomp, clap, stomp. This is also an AB pattern.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Pattern Costume Mission You are a costume designer for a big play! You need to make a pattern for a character's outfit. The costume must have a repeating pattern using only two different items. Step 1: Choose two items for your pattern. For example:
  • Red star
  • Blue star
Step 2: Make your character wear them in this order:
  • Red star
  • Blue star
  • Red star
  • Blue star
Step 3: Use ScratchJr to show this pattern by:
  • Adding two costumes to your sprite
  • Using the “repeat” block to make it go on
  • Testing it to see if it looks right
Step 4: Challenge yourself:
  • Can you make a longer pattern?
  • Can you use different shapes or colours?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to repeat the pattern correctly.
    Why it happens: The child might not understand that the pattern must go A, B, A, B.
    Fix: Use a simple drawing to show the pattern before coding it in ScratchJr.
  • Mistake: Using more than two items in a pattern.
    Why it happens: Confusing AB patterns with ABC patterns.
    Fix: Keep it simple with just two items at first, then try more.
  • Mistake: Not using the repeat block.
    Why it happens: The child may not know how to make a loop.
    Fix: Show how to use the repeat block with 2 or 3 times to start.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using everyday objects like buttons or toys to make patterns before coding
  • Asking questions like: “What comes next in this pattern?”
  • Encouraging children to think of patterns in their daily life (like breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Helping them use the repeat block in ScratchJr
  • Practising AB patterns with simple drawings or stickers
It’s okay if the child makes mistakes – that’s how they learn! Just keep the mood fun and encouraging.

Practice questions

  1. What are two items that make an AB pattern?
  2. How do you show a repeating AB pattern in ScratchJr?
  3. Can you make a pattern with red and blue blocks? Show it.
  4. What is the next item in the pattern: red, blue, red, blue, ?
  5. What is one thing you see in your home that has an AB pattern?
Answers:
  1. Red block and blue block
  2. Use two costumes or actions and repeat them
  3. Red, blue, red, blue, red, blue
  4. Red
  5. Example: A shirt with stripes or a floor with tiles

FAQ

What is a pattern in ScratchJr?

A pattern is a sequence of actions or costumes that repeat. For example, red, blue, red, blue is an AB pattern.

Why do we learn about patterns?

Patterns help us predict what comes next, solve problems, and make sense of the world around us.

Can I make longer patterns in ScratchJr?

Yes! Once you know AB patterns, you can try ABC or even longer patterns using more costumes.

How can I practice patterns at home?

You can use toys, clothes, or drawings to make patterns. Try making a pattern with your socks, or arrange your toys in a repeating order.

Is it hard to make patterns in ScratchJr?

No! It’s like playing with blocks. Start with just two items, and soon you’ll be making cool patterns like a pro.