Use this resource to help students gain experience with creating repeating patterns. The spinner could be used in a variety of ways – either in small groups or independently.

Print the spinner on thick card for durability, and attach the arrow with a split pin.

What Are Repeating Patterns?

Repeating patterns are patterns in which there is a unit (sometimes referred to as the rule) that is repeated over and over, e.g. ABA.

In the early years classroom, students are encouraged to use manipulatives (such as different coloured counters/teddies etc) to create patterns. This spinner can be used to determine which pattern the student will create/draw.

Through creating patterns that follow these rules, students gain experience in being able to identify pattern structure and predict what comes next.

Which Repeating Patterns Have Been Included?

The following patterns have been included:

• ABCC
• ABBC
• ABC
• AABB
• ABCD
• AABC

Looking for other spinners related to mathematics to try in your classroom? How about one of these:

teaching resource

Spin and Sort – More, Less, Same

An open-ended sorting activity based on using a spinner.

teaching resource

Spin and Sort – Heavier, Lighter, Same

An open-ended sorting activity based on using a spinner.

teaching resource

Positional Language Spinner

Have fun using this spinner to reinforce understanding of positional language!