What is a Pattern?

Learning Objectives Identify a simple repeating pattern. Describe a pattern using words like 'next' and 'repeats'. Extend a simple pattern by one or two items. Create their own simple pattern using two items. Find patterns in the classroom or in nature. Explain that a pattern has a rule that it follows. Have you ever noticed the stripes on a zebra? 🦓 They go black, white, black, white. That's a pattern! Today, we will be pattern detectives! 🕵️ We will learn what patterns are. Finding patterns helps us solve problems and tell computers what to do. Real-World Applications Songs have patterns in their sounds 🎵 Your socks might have a stripe pattern 🧦 Days of the week follow a pattern 🗓️ Brushing your teeth follows a pattern of steps 🦷

TermDefinitionExample PatternA pattern is something that repeats over and over again.Cat 🐈, Dog 🐕, Cat 🐈, Dog 🐕... RepeatTo do or see the same thing again.In the pattern 🍎🍌🍎🍌, the apple and banana repeat. RuleA rule tells us how the pattern works.The rule is: 'First an apple, then a banana.' SequenceA list of things that are in a special order.The sequence is: Circle 🔵, Square 🟥, Circle 🔵, Square 🟥. ElementOne single thing in a pattern.In the pattern 🚗🚲🚗, the car 🚗 is one element. PredictTo guess what will come next based on the pattern.In ☀️🌙☀️🌙, we can predict a sun ☀️ comes next.

The 'What Repeats?' Rule Look for the smallest group of things that repeats. Use this to find the main part of the pattern. This part is like the secret code! The 'Say It Out Loud' Rule Say the names of the items in order, like a song. Hearing the pattern can help your brain find what repeats. 'Red, blue, red, blue...' The 'Point and Check' Rule Point to each item as you check your pattern rule. Use your finger to make sure your pattern rule works from the very beginning.