Year 1 Mathematics · AC9M1A02
A repeating pattern is made from a unit that repeats again and again. The unit is the smallest part that repeats
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A repeating pattern is made from a unit that repeats again and again. The unit is the smallest part that repeats.
Learning routine: Look → Find unit → Continue → Create → Explain
The repeating unit is red blue, not the whole long row.
Once the unit is known, you can continue or create the pattern.
Explain your thinking: Say what each part of the model represents, then explain why the answer or conclusion follows.
red blue red blue red blue
△ ○ □ △ ○ □ next: △
Find the unit Circle the smallest repeating unit in a pattern. Model: A B A B A B
Continue the pattern Use the unit to add the next three terms. Model: red yellow red yellow
These curriculum examples extend the central model into varied contexts. They are learning contexts, not extra definitions to memorise.
interpreting a repeating pattern sequence created by someone else, noticing and describing the repeating part of the pattern and explaining how they know what comes next in the sequence
Try and explain: Continue red, red, blue, red, red, blue. Name the smallest repeating unit.
Red, red, blue comes next. The smallest repeating unit is red–red–blue, not the whole six-item display.
generalising a repeating pattern by identifying the unit of repeat and representing the elements using numbers, letters or symbols; for example, representing the repeating pattern of stamp, stamp, clap, stamp clap, stamp, stamp, clap, stamp, clap as SSCSC SSCSC SSCSC... recognising the elements that are repeating, describing the unit of repeat as SSCSC and continuing the pattern
Try and explain: Represent clap, stamp, clap, stamp with letters. What repeats?
CS CS. The unit CS repeats; each letter consistently represents one action.
recognising within the sequencing of natural numbers that 0 - 9 digits are repeated both in and between the decades and using this pattern to continue the sequence and name two-digit numbers beyond 20
Try and explain: Compare the ones digits in 20–29 and 30–39. What repeats, and what changes?
The ones digits repeat from 0 to 9. The tens digit changes from 2 to 3, so the numbers are different even though the ones-digit pattern repeats.
collaboratively creating a repeating geometric pattern using dynamic geometric software or a generative artificial intelligence tool, discussing as a class what instructions they would need to input to produce a repeating pattern
Try and explain: Give a drawing tool clear instructions to make triangle, circle, circle repeated three times. How can you check its result?
Specify the unit triangle–circle–circle and three repeats. Check for nine shapes in that order, with no missing or extra shape between units.
identifying the repeating patterns in First Nations Australians’ systems of counting, exploring different ways of representing numbers including oral and gestural language
Cultural safety: Use a community-approved source, name the specific Nation or community where the source does, and avoid presenting diverse First Nations knowledges as one generic tradition. Follow local cultural and intellectual property protocols before inviting community participation.
considering how the making of shell or seed necklaces by First Nations Australians’ includes practices such as sorting shells and beads based on colour, size and shape, and creating a repeating pattern sequence
Cultural safety: Use a community-approved source, name the specific Nation or community where the source does, and avoid presenting diverse First Nations knowledges as one generic tradition. Follow local cultural and intellectual property protocols before inviting community participation.
Identify a repeating unit and use it to continue or create a pattern.
The pattern is clap, clap, tap, clap, clap, tap. What repeats?
Watch for this mistake: Naming only the last action does not identify the unit. Include every part before the pattern starts again.
Continue: red, blue, blue, red, blue, blue, __, __, __.
Find the three-part unit.
red, blue, blue.
Is 2, 4, 6, 8 a repeating pattern with a repeating unit shown? Explain.
Does the same block restart, or do the numbers grow?
It grows by two. No repeating block of these numbers has restarted.
Key idea: A repeating pattern is made from a unit that repeats again and again. The unit is the smallest part that repeats.
Return to the concept model if an answer is uncertain. Use the model to explain, not just to guess.
Use the Practice Sheet for written or hands-on work, Practice for supported feedback, and Test when the student is ready to demonstrate independent mastery.
A repeating pattern is made from a unit that repeats again and again. The unit is the smallest part that repeats.
Learning routine: Look → Find unit → Continue → Create → Explain
AC9M1A02: recognise, continue and create repeating patterns with numbers, symbols, shapes and objects, identifying the repeating unit
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