- Definition
A growing pattern is like a sequence where each step gets bigger or has more parts than the one before it. For example, if you have one block, then two blocks, then three blocks, that's a growing pattern.
A pattern of block towers with 2, 4, 6, then 8 blocks is a growing pattern because two blocks are added each time.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A growing pattern is like building a snowman, where you start with a small ball, then add a bigger one, then an even bigger one on top.
Ask your child: If our pattern is one clap, then two claps, what would come next?
Common mix-up: Kids may think patterns only repeat the same thing over and over. A growing pattern changes predictably by adding something new each time.
Examples
- Drawing one circle, then two circles, then three circles.
- The number sequence 5, 10, 15, 20 is a growing pattern that adds 5 each time.
growing pattern is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+1 more mention across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
