Repeating Patterns Towers

Description

Support children in developing their early mathematical thinking with this practical EYFS repeating patterns activity using cubes or building blocks. Designed to support children to ‘continue, copy and create repeating patterns’, these pattern cards provide a hands-on way for children to explore sequences, repetition and early mathematical concepts during provision.

Simply laminate and cut out the cards before providing children with a range of coloured cubes or building blocks. Encourage children to look carefully at each pattern, identify the repeating sequence and use their cubes to copy and continue the pattern.

The resource includes two levels of challenge. The first page features ABAB repeating patterns, providing a straightforward introduction to copying and continuing a repeating sequence. The second page introduces more challenging ABC and AAB patterns, giving children opportunities to apply their understanding to different types of repeating sequences.

Once children are confident copying and continuing the patterns, challenge them to create their own repeating patterns using the cubes or building blocks. Encourage them to describe their pattern, identify the repeating unit and explain what would come next.

This EYFS maths pattern activity is ideal for continuous provision and can be used independently, with a partner or as part of a small-group activity. The different levels of challenge make it easy to support children as they develop their understanding of repeating patterns.

Skills supported include:

Copying repeating patterns
Continuing repeating patterns
Creating repeating patterns
Recognising ABAB patterns
Exploring ABC patterns
Exploring AAB patterns
Identifying repeating sequences
Developing early mathematical thinking
Problem-solving
Explaining patterns and sequences

This resource is particularly useful for EYFS children developing their understanding of repeating patterns, with opportunities to begin with ABAB patterns before progressing to more challenging ABC and AAB sequences.

Can the children copy and continue each pattern, then use their cubes to create a repeating pattern of their own?