Drawing Pattern Pictures with Shapes and Colors
Objective
Students will create and extend visual patterns using shapes and colors to demonstrate understanding of repeating sequences.
Materials
- White paper
- Crayons or colored markers
- Shape stencils or templates
- Chart paper
- Glue sticks
Hook
Show students a simple pattern drawing on the board with red circle, blue square, red circle, blue square. Ask them to predict what comes next and invite a volunteer to draw it.
Main Activity
Students create their own pattern pictures by choosing two shapes and two colors to make repeating patterns across their paper. They start with simple AB patterns like red triangle, blue circle, red triangle, blue circle, then try ABC patterns using three elements. Students draw at least three complete repetitions of their pattern, then trade papers with a partner to extend each other's patterns. Finally, they create a class gallery by posting their pattern pictures and taking a walking tour to identify different types of patterns.
Discussion Questions
- What makes something a pattern?
- How did you decide which shape or color comes next in your pattern?
- Can you find patterns that are the same but use different shapes or colors?
- What would happen if we mixed up the order in our pattern?
- Where do you see patterns in our classroom or at home?
Exit Ticket
Draw a new pattern using circles and stars with two different colors. Make sure to show at least two complete repetitions.
Differentiation
Support: Provide pre-cut shapes for students to glue in patterns instead of drawing, and start with simple two-element AB patterns only.
Extension: Challenge students to create more complex ABCD patterns or patterns that change in both shape and size, then write pattern rules using words.
