What is a repeating pattern?
A pattern is something that follows a rule. In a repeating pattern, the same group of things happens again and again:
🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵
The part that repeats is called the core. Here the core is 🔴 🔵 (red, blue).
Finding the core
Look for the shortest group that keeps repeating. Say the pattern aloud: "red, blue, red, blue…". When you hear the beginning again, you’ve found the core.
| Pattern | Core | Name |
|---|---|---|
| red, blue, red, blue | red, blue | AB pattern |
| clap, clap, stomp, clap, clap, stomp | clap, clap, stomp | AAB pattern |
| ▲ ■ ● ▲ ■ ● | ▲ ■ ● | ABC pattern |
| cat, dog, dog, cat, dog, dog | cat, dog, dog | ABB pattern |
We use letters to name the type: each new item gets a new letter. That way, patterns made from different things can still match. Red, blue, red, blue and clap, jump, clap, jump are both AB patterns.
Different attributes
Patterns can repeat any attribute:
- Colour: red, yellow, red, yellow
- Shape: circle, square, circle, square
- Size: big, small, small, big, small, small
- Sound or movement: clap, snap, clap, snap
- Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
Extending a pattern
To extend a pattern means to keep it going. Find the core, see where the pattern stops, and add what comes next in the core.
🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 __ __
The core is 🔴 🔵 🔵. The pattern stops after 🔴, so next come 🔵 🔵.
Worked examples
Example 1: What comes next? ▲ ● ▲ ● ▲ __
The core is ▲ ●. After ▲ comes ●.
Example 2: Name the pattern type: apple, apple, pear, apple, apple, pear.
The core is apple, apple, pear: AAB.
Example 3: Make an ABC pattern with sounds.
Clap, stomp, snap, clap, stomp, snap.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a core that is too long or too short. Check that the core really repeats all the way through.
- Losing your place when extending. Point to each item as you say it.
- Thinking the pattern must use colours. Any attribute can make a pattern.
Try it yourself
- What comes next: ■ ■ ● ■ ■ ● ■ ■ __?
- What is the core of: up, down, down, up, down, down?
- Name the type: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2.
- Make your own ABB pattern with letters.
Answers: 1) ● 2) up, down, down 3) AB 4) e.g. X, O, O, X, O, O
Quick recap
- A repeating pattern has a core that repeats.
- Use letters (AB, AAB, ABC) to name the type.
- Extend a pattern by continuing the core.