MATHBONE JOURNAL

Find the rule before guessing what comes next

Explore colours and shapes before connecting to number patterns.

Illustrative image: Children building patterns with coloured blocks
Illustrative learning scene

Foundations and learning approach

Notice a repeating unit

Arrange red, blue, red, blue blocks. Ask which unit repeats, then extend the pattern by two positions and explain.

Distinguish repetition from growth

Compare groups of two, four and six blocks with the repeating colour pattern. Ask what changes and which rule produces the next group.

The repeating unit is one red block followed by one blue block. Cover the last two blocks and extend the same rule.
Connect the picture with the reasoning

The repeating unit is one red block followed by one blue block. Cover the last two blocks and extend the same rule.

View larger image ↗

Let the learner create a rule

Invite your child to invent a pattern for you to extend. If your answers differ, discuss the intended rule instead of only deciding who was right.

Keep exploring together

Choose activities that match the learner’s knowledge and readiness, and discuss what you notice. Explore the curriculum or parent guide below.

← Back to all articles