Continue the pattern

1What comes next?

Draw or write the next two items in each pattern.

1. 1. red, blue, red, blue, …
2. 2. circle, circle, square, circle, circle, square, …
3. 3. big, small, small, big, small, small, …
4. 4. 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, …
5. 5. up, up, down, up, up, down, …

2Find the mistake

Each pattern has one mistake. Circle it and write what should be there.

1. 1. A B A B A A B →
2. 2. ★ ● ★ ● ● ★ →
3. 3. up down up up down →
4. 4. red blue green red blue red →

3Name the repeating unit

Write the part that repeats in each pattern.

1. 1. A B B A B B A B B →
2. 2. circle square square circle square square →
3. 3. 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 →

4Colour the pattern

Colour the strip so it repeats a two-colour pattern all the way along.

5Make your own

Design a repeating pattern for a scarf. Repeat it at least three times.

6Practise again

Write the next item and the rule for each pattern.

• I said my pattern out loud.
• I checked where my pattern starts again.

7Describe it

Write down the rule for your scarf pattern from Task 5.

8Take it home

Find a repeating pattern at home — on clothes, tiles or wrapping paper. Draw it and write its rule.