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Spotting a pattern and predicting what comes next is one of the first forms of mathematical thinking — the same skill that later helps with times tables, number sequences and algebra. In this game, children see a row of colours or shapes repeating in a rule (red-blue, red-blue… or star-star-heart…) and choose the piece that continues it. The rules grow from simple two-step patterns to longer and trickier ones.
Best for ages 4–9
Recognising patterns is the root of algebraic thinking: finding a rule and using it to predict. It also supports counting in steps and times tables.
From about 4 with simple two-element patterns. By 7–9, children can handle longer and mixed rules.
Our free “Missing number” worksheets continue the idea with number sequences.
Patterns, loops and 40 robot puzzles — real coding thinking for ages 4–13, offline and free on Google Play.
