There’s something so satisfying about seeing a pattern click for a student—that “aha!” moment when they realize what comes next in a sequence or how shapes fit together like puzzle pieces.
As a teacher, these moments remind me of why I love teaching early math concepts like patterns and shapes. They’re not just building blocks for math—they’re foundational for critical thinking, prediction, and problem-solving.
Why Patterns Matter
In my classroom, I always say: “Patterns are like stories in numbers and shapes.” Whether it’s red-blue-red-blue or triangle-square-triangle-square, patterns help students recognize repetition and prepare their brains for more advanced math down the road.
Plus, they’re just fun!
We explore patterns through:
- Color patterns with snap cubes or beads
- Shape patterns using cutouts or tangrams
- Movement patterns in music and dance
- Nature patterns in leaves, shells, and even animal fur
By recognizing these patterns, students begin to anticipate what comes next, a skill that’s vital in everything from reading to science.
Shapes All Around
When we introduce shapes, we’re giving students a way to understand and describe the world around them.
From circles in wheels to rectangles in doors, shapes help them see structure and form in everyday objects.
We sort shapes, build with them, draw them, and even go on “shape hunts” around the school. It’s amazing how proud a child can feel identifying a hexagon in a soccer ball or a rhombus in a stained-glass window!
Free Download: Repeat the Pattern Worksheet
To support you at home or in your own classroom, I’ve created a fun, printable “Repeat the Pattern” worksheet. It’s perfect for Pre-K through 1st Grade, and includes:
✅ Simple drawing prompts to finish patterns
Print it out, grab some crayons, and let your little learners explore!
Patterns and shapes may seem simple, but they open the door to deeper learning.
When we teach children to look closely, recognize repetition, and describe what they see, we’re helping them make sense of the world—and that’s a beautiful thing.
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Free Patterns Worksheet Here
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