L25 – WWW – Continue Repeated Patterns

Working Without Worksheets – Reception Maths: Continuing Repeating Patterns Support your Reception pupils in developing early algebra skills with this Working Without Worksheets lesson on continuing repeating patterns . Through actions, cubes, natural objects, and beads, children learn to identify the unit of repeat in a pattern and extend it accurately. The lesson begins with a starter activity : Display a movement pattern on the slides (e.g. clap, clap, stamp). Say the pattern aloud and join in with the actions, encouraging the children to join in too. Ask: “What comes next?” to help children hear and feel the repeat. In the main input , children extend their understanding with visual patterns: Display a repeating pattern (e.g. images of animals, shapes, or colours). Ask: “Can you describe the pattern?” Highlight each image, encouraging children to say the pattern out loud. Support them to identify the unit of repeat and ask: “What comes next?” Confirm the next three images before moving on to other examples. For the independent activities , children continue patterns in hands-on, practical ways: Cube Trails – provide pattern starters using linking cubes. Children continue with AB, AAB, or ABB examples depending on ability. Natural Pattern Path – use stones, leaves, and twigs outdoors. Children extend natural object patterns to make paths or lines. Peg Board Patterns – begin simple colour patterns on peg boards (e.g. yellow, red, yellow, red) and children continue the line. Pattern Necklaces – start threading pasta or beads in a sequence, then children extend the necklace using the same pattern. Adults support by asking: “What is your pattern doing? What comes next?” The plenary brings the class back together: Share examples of extended patterns. Reinforce the concept of the unit of repeat and how this makes a pattern predictable. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full teacher planning with objectives, vocabulary, and plenary questions ✔ Starter: movement pattern (cl