The idea, step by step
Use the place in the unit
A gap does not change the rule. If the rule is circle, square, the first, third and fifth places are circles.
Point through the unit as you read. Say the missing item aloud, then continue to see whether the rest fits.
Check the whole pattern
Sometimes a unit has two identical items. For triangle, circle, circle, you must keep both circles.
After filling a gap, read two complete units. This helps you catch a pattern that looks nearly right but misses one item.
A common trap
Filling a gap with a shape that matches only the item beside it.
Instead: Use the stated unit, not just the nearest shape. Check the full pattern after filling the gap.
See the thinking
A missing second item
Repeat circle, square: circle, __, circle, square. What fills the gap?
- The gap is second in the first unit.
- The second item of the rule is square.
- Read back: circle, square, circle, square.
A missing first item
Repeat triangle, circle, circle: triangle, circle, circle, __, circle, circle.
- The first three items complete one unit.
- The gap begins the second unit.
- Each unit starts with a triangle.
Check your understanding
Repeat clap, clap, stamp: clap, __, stamp. What is missing?
Show answer
Clap.
The unit has two claps before the stamp.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Repeat square, circle: square, __, square, circle.
- Repeat circle, circle, triangle: circle, __, triangle, circle, circle, triangle.
- Repeat clap, stamp: __, stamp, clap, stamp.
- Repeat triangle, square, circle: triangle, square, __, triangle, square, circle.
- Repeat square, circle: square, circle, __, __, square, circle. Fill both gaps.
- Repeat triangle, circle, circle: triangle, circle, circle, triangle, square, circle. Which item must change?
Read the worked solutions
- Repeat square, circle: square, __, square, circle.
The gap is second in the unit.
Circle. - Repeat circle, circle, triangle: circle, __, triangle, circle, circle, triangle.
Each triangle follows two circles.
Circle. - Repeat clap, stamp: __, stamp, clap, stamp.
Each pair starts with clap.
Clap. - Repeat triangle, square, circle: triangle, square, __, triangle, square, circle.
Circle is third in the unit.
Circle. - Repeat square, circle: square, circle, __, __, square, circle. Fill both gaps.
The two gaps form one complete unit.
Square, circle. - Repeat triangle, circle, circle: triangle, circle, circle, triangle, square, circle. Which item must change?
The second unit must also be triangle, circle, circle.
The square must change to a circle.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 repeating patterns, their units and missing elements.
Official curriculum source ↗