Finding Missing Numbers in Patterns

MatholiaChannel

This educational video introduces primary students to the concept of number patterns and sequences using a clear, visual approach. Through a series of animated examples involving colorful balloons, the video demonstrates how to identify the "rule" of a pattern—such as adding 1, adding 2, subtracting 1, or subtracting 2—to determine missing numbers in a sequence. The content progresses from simple ascending sequences to descending ones, providing a comprehensive introduction to algebraic thinking. The video explores key mathematical themes including skip counting, addition and subtraction strategies, and logical reasoning. It emphasizes the importance of checking the relationship between adjacent numbers to establish a consistent pattern before trying to solve for unknowns. The visual cues, such as arrows indicating the operation between steps, help scaffold the learning process for visual learners. For educators, this video serves as an excellent instructional tool for math centers or whole-group introductions to patterning. It supports the development of early algebraic skills by asking students to analyze numerical relationships rather than just perform calculations. The clear pacing allows for natural pauses where teachers can ask students to predict the next number, making it highly interactive and suitable for 1st and 2nd-grade math curriculums.