A repeating pattern is a sequence built from a fixed unit, or core, that recurs in the same order, such as red-blue-blue or circle-square-triangle. The learner can represent, extend, and generate simple repeating patterns with objects, shapes, colors, sounds, or small numbers, identify the repeating unit, and distinguish repetition from a pattern that changes or grows; more general rules and complex numerical patterns are beyond this level.
On this page:
- Learn “Create repeating patterns” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Create repeating patterns” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Create repeating patterns you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Create repeating patterns” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Patterning - Number Patterns Intro” or “Patterning - Visual Patterns Intro” that introduce, teach, or practice “Create repeating patterns” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Create repeating patterns
A repeating pattern uses the same group of objects again and again. The group that repeats is called the core.
Example
Look at the pattern:
🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔵 ___ ___ ___
Step 1: Find the smallest group that repeats.
Start at the beginning:
🔴 🔵 🔵
Now look at the next objects:
🔴 🔵 🔵
The core is:
🔴 🔵 🔵
Step 2: Repeat the core in the same order.
After 🔴 🔵 🔵, write 🔴 🔵 🔵 again.
Step 3: Fill in the missing objects.
The completed pattern is:
🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔵
So, the missing objects are red, blue, blue.
Remember: In a repeating pattern, the same core comes back in the same order.
Learn by doing: Create repeating patterns
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Your results
Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Patterning - Rule for 2 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
Earned ?
Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Create repeating patterns' Worksheet
Print this free 'Create repeating patterns' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Patterning - Rule for 2 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
- Patterning - Rule for 3 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
- Patterning - Rule for 4 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
- Patterning - Concept Intro (Repeating) - Picture to Next Term
- Patterning - Next in 2 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
- Patterning - Next in 3 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
- Patterning - Next in 4 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
- Patterning - Missing from 2 Item Repeating Shape Pattern
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Create repeating patterns) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.