Look, then try.
Ask a grown-up to cut along the card borders first. There are four of each piece: pink circles, yellow squares and purple triangles. Choose two or three shapes for your repeating row, and keep the rule in your head or whisper it as you place each card. When your row is long, hand it to someone else and ask them to continue it. If cutting is not possible, tear paper pieces or draw rows instead: the rule matters more than the cards.
An adult helps with cutting the pattern cards. Keep paper scraps away from younger children. Move gently during movement patterns: seated movements work too, and no jumping is needed.
Use a finger, stylus or mouse in each drawing box. Type below it, or ask a grown-up to write your words. Your work stays in this tab. Save before refreshing or leaving.
Sort my cards
Draw the pieces you chose for your pattern.
Build a long row
Draw your repeating row from the first piece to the last.
Solve a swap
Ask someone to start a row for you, then draw how you continued it.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
Choosing, ordering and extending pieces builds sequencing and working memory. Explaining a rule to someone else checks that the pattern is clear.
Prefer a worksheet?
Open the individual cartoon activity sheet to print or save. Use portrait orientation and fit to page.
Open worksheet to save ↓Try another pattern activity.
How to Make a PatternChoose two pieces, lay down your repeat and keep it going.
Draw · Type · Save
Finish My PatternFind the rule in each row, then draw the piece that comes next.
Draw · Type · Save
My Own PatternInvent a repeating part that is all yours, then challenge someone to continue it.
Draw · Type · Save
Move in a PatternTurn a pattern into gentle moves: clap, tap, reach.
Draw · Type · Save