All Activities
Maths

Pattern Making with Objects

Overview

Children use objects to make and extend patterns.

Learning Objective
Children recognise and create simple repeating patterns.

Resources needed

  • Objects in two or more types (stones, leaves, sticks)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Create a simple pattern (e.g. stone, stick, stone, stick).
  2. 2 Ask children to copy the pattern.
  3. 3 Ask: 'What comes next?'
  4. 4 Let children continue the pattern.
  5. 5 Create new patterns together.
  6. 6 Ask children to describe the pattern.
  7. 7 Encourage children to make their own patterns.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use more complex patterns (e.g. AAB)
  • Use actions or sounds instead of objects
  • Look for patterns in the environment
More information

Say the pattern aloud as a chant (e.g. 'stone-stick, stone-stick'). Rhythm supports pattern recognition.

Use two clearly different objects to start. Add a third only when the child is secure.

Can children continue a pattern independently? Can they describe the rule ('it goes stone then stick')?

Leaves, stones, and sticks from outside provide free and varied pattern-making materials. No sorting trays or colour tiles needed.

Children often think any alternating arrangement is a pattern, even if the rule changes partway through. Help them see that a pattern must follow the same rule all the way along.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 15–20 minutes 5 minutes prep Solo, Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Patterns