Pattern Power SlidesPATTERN DETECTIVES Cracking the Shape Code What is a Pattern? A pattern is something that repeats over and over again. It follows a rule! ? This is an AB pattern. Circle, Square, Circle, Square... Level 1 Clues The Double Repeat (AABB) ? The Switch-Up (ABC) ? The Missing Link Detectives, someone stole a shape from the middle of the pattern! Can you find it? ? Pattern Rule: ABB Growing Patterns Some patterns don't just repeat... they GROW! Watch the number of shapes change in each step. 1 2 3 4 How many next? Ready to Work? Grab your Pattern Mats and start solving the shape codes! Level 1 Starter Level 2 Puzzler Level 3 Master
Starter Shapes MatsSTARTER SHAPES MATS Level 1: Pattern Detectives Name Date Look at each row. What comes next? Draw the shapes in the empty boxes! AB AB AABB AABB Tip: Point to each shape and say its name out loud to hear the pattern!
Pattern Puzzler MatsPATTERN PUZZLER MATS Level 2: Expert Detectives Name Date Detective, some shapes are missing! Fill in the blanks in the middle and end of each pattern. ABC ? ? AAB ? ? ? ABB ? ? ??? ? ? Bonus Challenge Think of your own ABC pattern and draw it below!
Shape Shifter MatsSHAPE SHIFTER MATS Level 3: Master Detectives Name Date The patterns below are Growing! Draw the next two steps. Growth #1 1 2 3 4? 5? Growth #2 Draw Step 4 here... Creation Station Design your own Growing Pattern using shapes! Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Shape Detective Master Level Certificate of Completion: ____________________
Pattern Master GuidePATTERN MASTER GUIDE Teacher Facilitation & Key K - Grade 1 Lesson Objectives Students will identify, describe, and extend simple repeating patterns (AB, AABB). Students will analyze complex patterns (ABC, AAB, ABB) and identify missing internal elements. Students will recognize and extend growing patterns by identifying the unit of growth. Required Gear Pattern Power Slides Differentiated Mats Colored Pencils/Crayons 2D Shape Manipulatives Differentiation Strategy Starter Mats Target: 2 Years Below/Pre-K Focuses strictly on 2-unit repetition. Use physical blocks to build the pattern directly on the mat before drawing. Scaffold: "Tap and Say" strategy. Puzzler Mats Target: Grade Level / K-1 Introduces 3-unit patterns and missing middle elements to build algebraic reasoning. Challenge: Cover the first half and guess. Shifter Mats Target: Above Grade Level Introduces non-repeating growth patterns. Requires identifying numerical relationships (n+1). Goal: Describe the growth rule. Answer Key Summary Starter Mats (Level 1) Row 1: Blue Circle, Pink Square Row 2: Yellow Triangle, Blue Circle Row 3: Pink Square, Pink Square Row 4: Yellow Triangle, Yellow Triangle Puzzler Mats (Level 2) Row 1: Pink Square (middle), Pink Square (end) Row 2: Yellow Triangle (middle), Yellow Triangle, Circle (end) Row 3: Pink Square (middle), Yellow Triangle (end) Row 4: Pink Sq (mid), Pink Sq (mid), Blue Cir (end) Shifter Mats (Level 3) Growth #1: 4 squares high, then 5 squares high. Growth #2: Cir, Tri, Cir, Tri, Cir, Tri, Cir, Tri. Rule #1: Add 1 square to the top each time. Rule #2: Add one full unit (Cir-Tri) each time. Note: For Creation Stations, accept any consistent rule that repeats or grows logically. Pro-Tip: Encourage students to "sing" the pattern! Pattern Detectives Unit © 2026
