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Make Your Own Pattern

You know how to copy, predict, and fix patterns. Now invent one, test it on a friend, and improve the rule.

Class 3 to 5beginner15 min3 lessons1 interactive lab
By the end you will be able to
  • Invent a new AB or growing pattern with a clear rule
  • Test whether a friend can continue your pattern
  • Revise your pattern if the rule is too confusing

Finish first

Patterns in Songs
Topic contents

Lesson 1 of 3

Pick a rule first

Before you draw, decide the rule. Will you alternate two stickers, or grow by one block each step? Write the rule in one short sentence.

Simple rules are best for first tries. A-B-A-B is easier to share than a five-part mix your friend cannot hear in one go.

Open the pattern builder lab. Place your first few steps on screen and watch if the repeat or growth looks clear.

Interactive lab

Pattern builder lab

Place shapes in a row, set a repeat or growth rule, and test if friends can predict the next step.

Pattern builder

Extend AB and ABC colour patterns

Rule: AB

Red, blue, red, blue. The rule repeats every two colours.

R
B
R
B
1 / 5

Spot AB

An AB pattern alternates two parts. Once you see the repeat, you can predict what comes next without guessing.

Continue

Lesson 2 of 3

Test on a friend

Cover the last three steps. Ask your friend what comes next. If they agree with you quickly, your rule works.

If friends guess different answers, your rule might be too messy. Shorten the repeat unit or mark growth more clearly.

Swap roles. Continue their pattern too. Good pattern makers are also good pattern solvers.

Continue

Lesson 3 of 3

Improve and share

Add color or sound names in your key so others know what A and B mean. A clear key prevents arguments about the rule.

Save your best pattern in your notebook with its rule written underneath. You can teach it to younger students later.

You have clapped, drawn, grown, compared, fixed, and built patterns. These skills help you spot rules everywhere.

Continue

Practice

Work these out yourself

No answer key here on purpose: these are the questions worth thinking through before you move on. Open one and work it out.

0/3 attempted

Assessment

Check your understanding

Answer each question, then read the explanation. That is where the learning is.

0/4
  1. Question 1: Before drawing, a pattern maker should first decide what?
    Question 1 / 4

    Before drawing, a pattern maker should first decide what?

    Select an option first
  2. Question 2: If friends guess different next steps, your pattern might be too what?
    Question 2 / 4

    If friends guess different next steps, your pattern might be too what?

    Select an option first
  3. Question 3: A key on your pattern page tells readers what?
    Question 3 / 4

    A key on your pattern page tells readers what?

    Select an option first
  4. Question 4: Hiding the last steps and asking a friend to continue is called what?
    Question 4 / 4

    Hiding the last steps and asking a friend to continue is called what?

    Select an option first
4 of 4 questions left.

Finished this topic?

0 of 3 lessons marked done. Marking the topic complete ticks the rest.