Shapes & Patterns Worksheets

Pattern work is early algebra wearing a friendlier hat. A child who can continue a red-blue-red-blue sequence is doing what they will later do with number sequences and, eventually, with functions: spotting a rule and extending it. The worksheets here move from simple AB patterns through ABC and AABB to patterns the child invents themselves. Shape work runs alongside it — recognising circles, squares, triangles and rectangles in different sizes and orientations, which is harder than it sounds. Many children learn "triangle" as a specific picture and then refuse to accept a long thin one. Rotating the page, or asking them to find the shape in the room, fixes that quickly. These sheets suit ages three to seven and print in black and white, so they work equally well as a colouring activity for the younger end of that range.