Find the whole repeating unit, not just the next item

A triangle-square-square sequence gives children a pattern to partition. Ask them to mark a complete repeat and use it to extend the sequence, making the underlying unit visible rather than accepting a lucky continuation.

Mark the smallest complete repeat and compare successive copies. A correct next item alone does not show understanding of the whole unit.

Triangle-square-square repeats as a three-item unit; stopping after triangle-square changes the proposed rule.

Draw the boundaries between repeats

Locate the smallest complete repeat. Mark its boundaries. Extend using the same unit.

Can the learner identify one complete unit? Use fewer units and large shapes.

The next visible item is not the whole pattern rule.

Resources

• Reflection Journal Template — Use the blank reflection space for observations; write the measurement units and setup separately.

Further reading

• ASIC Moneysmart — teaching lesson plans
• Australian Curriculum Version 9 — Mathematics

Read next

• A growing pattern has a proposed rule to test
• A ten-dollar pretend budget with choices to explain
• Perimeter: trace the boundary you intend to measure

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