How to teach patterns

Kindergarten to Grade 4

A pattern is a sequence that follows a rule , repeating (red, blue, red, blue) or growing (2, 4, 6, 8). Spotting the rule, continuing a pattern and describing it are the seeds of algebra: a pattern rule is a function in disguise.

How to teach it

1. Begin with repeating patterns using objects, colours or shapes; have children say the pattern out loud (AB, AAB, ABC).
2. Ask them to continue it, then to make their own and describe the rule.
3. Move to number patterns: find the step between terms (add 2, add 5, double).
4. Practise both continuing forwards and working backwards to earlier terms.
5. Introduce the idea of a rule in words ('start at 3, add 4 each time') , the bridge to algebra.

Common mistakes

• Continuing a pattern by copying the look rather than working out the rule.
• Assuming every sequence adds the same amount (some double, some subtract).
• Not checking the rule works for every term, only the first couple.