10 Free Math Pattern Worksheets for Kindergarten (PDF)

Recognizing math patterns is an essential executive functioning skill that is often taken for granted. Math pattern worksheets are one way to practice this, but you can also talk about patterns you see as you go about your daily activities.

You know it hurts my soul to put (for kindergarten) after Math Patterns Worksheets. Some kids may still need to work on this skill in second grade, third grade or even beyond, especially if they have a learning disability.

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But, on average, a kindergartener would be able to recognize AB, AAB or ABC patterns. That is the baseline from which to work for the difficulty level of these worksheets.

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What is a Math Pattern?

A math pattern, also known as a numerical pattern or sequence, refers to a set of numbers that follow a certain rule or sequence. These patterns can be found in various mathematical contexts, including arithmetic, geometric, and algebraic sequences.

1. Arithmetic Pattern: In an arithmetic sequence, each term is obtained by adding (or subtracting) a constant value to the previous term. For example, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14… is an arithmetic sequence where the common difference is 3.
2. Geometric Pattern: In a geometric sequence, each term is obtained by multiplying (or dividing) the previous term by a constant value, known as the common ratio. For example, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48… is a geometric sequence with a common ratio of 2.
3. Recursive Pattern: In a recursive sequence, each term is defined based on one or more of the previous terms. For example, the Fibonacci sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21…) is defined recursively, where each term is the sum of the two preceding terms. (this is obviously for older students!)
4. Other Patterns: There are many other types of mathematical patterns, including quadratic sequences (where the difference between consecutive terms forms an arithmetic sequence), prime numbers, square numbers, triangular numbers, and so on.

Identifying and understanding these patterns can help in solving mathematical problems, making predictions, and understanding the underlying principles of various mathematical concepts.

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For younger kids, exploring simple and visually engaging math patterns is a great way to introduce them to the concept.

Math Patterns for Kindergarten

Here are some examples of math patterns suitable for younger children:

1. Color Patterns: Create patterns using different colors of blocks, beads, or shapes. For instance, red, blue, red, blue, red…
2. Shape Patterns: Arrange shapes in a repeating sequence, such as circle, square, circle, square…
3. Size Patterns: Arrange objects by size, such as big, small, big, small…
4. Number Patterns: Introduce simple number sequences, such as counting by twos (2, 4, 6, 8, 10…) or counting by fives (5, 10, 15, 20…).
5. Repeating Patterns: Create patterns with repeating elements, like clap, stomp, clap, stomp…
6. AB Patterns: Alternating between two different elements, like car, truck, car, truck…
7. ABB Patterns: Two identical elements followed by one different element, such as dog, dog, cat, dog, dog, cat…
8. AAB Patterns: Two identical elements followed by another identical element, like heart, heart, star, heart, heart, star…
9. Growing Patterns: Introduce simple arithmetic sequences, such as adding one more block each time (1, 2, 3, 4, 5…).
10. Shrinking Patterns: Reverse the growing pattern, such as removing one block each time (5, 4, 3, 2, 1…).

These patterns can be explored through hands-on activities, games, puzzles, and visual aids to make learning fun and engaging for young children. As they become familiar with these basic patterns, they can gradually progress to more complex patterns and sequences.

Math Patterns for Older Students

Math patterns are important for several reasons:

1. Problem-solving: Recognizing patterns allows individuals to solve mathematical problems more efficiently. By identifying the underlying pattern, they can predict future terms in a sequence or find missing values.
2. Critical thinking: Analyzing patterns promotes critical thinking skills by requiring individuals to observe, identify, and extend patterns. It encourages them to think logically and systematically.
3. Generalization: Understanding patterns enables individuals to generalize mathematical concepts. By recognizing common patterns, they can apply them to solve a wide range of problems rather than approaching each problem as unique.
4. Mathematical concepts: Patterns are fundamental to various mathematical concepts such as sequences, functions, algebra, and geometry. They provide a basis for understanding more complex mathematical ideas and relationships.
5. Real-world applications: Patterns are prevalent in the real world, from natural phenomena to human-made structures and processes. Understanding mathematical patterns can help individuals interpret and analyze data, make predictions, and solve real-world problems in fields such as science, engineering, economics, and technology.

Mathematical patterns serve as a bridge between concrete calculations and abstract mathematical concepts, enhancing problem-solving skills and promoting deeper understanding of mathematics.

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Math Patterns Worksheets

Here are the Free PDF Math Pattern Worksheets.