Create and continue shape patterns

What is a pattern?

A pattern is when something is repeated a certain way, or following a rule. Sometimes we will have a number pattern but other times we might use shapes or objects. If you look at the shapes below, you can see that they are all the same shape but the colour follows a pattern.

In this case, the colour follows the pattern of purple then green, which repeats. Patterns could also involve different shapes, rotations or directions.

In the first video, we look how to work out what comes next in a pattern, using shapes and colours.

In Video 2, we look at a pattern that has more than one rule. Not only does the colour follow a rule but the shape is rotated (turned) so it's facing a different way. When we have different parts to our pattern, it can help to work out one rule first, then think about any other rules.