Here are some ways to help students learn to identify the unit of repeat in one-dimensional patterns.
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Do not spend a long time making and drawing alternating AB patterns.
The alternation often distracts students' attention away from the unit of repeat.
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Use hands-on materials such as interlocking cubes.
Patterns made from manipulable materials can be easily pulled apart and the pieces compared.
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Use examples that have only complete units of repeat.
But occasionally make a 'deliberate mistake' and see if students can spot what is wrong.
- Ask students to make a repeating pattern using a unit of repeat that you have given them (or one they have created themselves).
- Frequently ask students to use the unit of repeat to find the total 'length' of the pattern.
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Challenge students to fill in the gaps in a repeating pattern where you have removed some of the pieces.
These challenges can range from easy tasks to more difficult tasks.
Colour in the missing square in this repeating pattern:
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Find the missing letters in this repeating pattern:
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A B B ? A B ? ? A B ? C
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An easy task.
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A more difficult task.
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Always stress that the unit of repeat must be identical throughout the pattern.