Exploring Increasing Patterns

Curriculum Information

Province: Nova Scotia
Grade Level: 2
Mathematics Strand: Patterns and Relations
Curriculum Outcome:

• PR2.1: Demonstrate an understanding of increasing patterns by identifying, describing, extending, and creating patterns using manipulatives, sounds, actions, and numbers.

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Lesson Overview

Students will explore increasing patterns by identifying and creating their own patterns using hands-on materials, movement, and number sequences. This engaging lesson incorporates group work, discussion, and interactive demonstrations to help students develop a deeper understanding of pattern growth.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:
✅ Identify and describe increasing patterns in various forms.
✅ Extend an increasing pattern logically.
✅ Create their own increasing pattern using manipulatives, numbers, or actions.
✅ Explain the pattern rule in their own words.

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Materials Needed

🟢 Counting cubes or linking blocks
🔵 Pattern strips (pre-made sequences with missing elements)
🟠 Whiteboards and markers
🟡 Number cards (1–20)
🟣 Small objects for pattern-building (buttons, coins, beads)

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Lesson Structure (30 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes) – “What Comes Next?”

• Begin with an interactive call-and-response activity. Say a pattern out loud while clapping (e.g., one clap, two claps, three claps…). Ask students: What comes next? Why?
• Show students a visual pattern (e.g., an increasing cube tower: 2 cubes, 4 cubes, 6 cubes…) and ask them to predict the next stage.
• Encourage students to explain why the pattern is growing the way it is.

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2. Direct Instruction (7 minutes) – “Spot the Pattern”

• Display a series of increasing patterns on the board using linking cubes:
  • Example: 🔵, 🔵🔵, 🔵🔵🔵, ?
  • Ask: What do you notice about this pattern? How is it changing?
• Introduce the concept of a pattern rule (e.g., We add one more each time!).
• Provide number sequences (e.g., 2, 4, 6, __, __) and have students try to complete the pattern.
• Reinforce learning by discussing real-life increasing patterns (e.g., stairs, the height of stacked books, growing plants).

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3. Guided Practice (8 minutes) – “Build and Explain”

• Divide students into small groups and give each group different sets of manipulatives.
• Each group will:
  1. Build their own increasing pattern using linking cubes or beads.
  2. Write or verbally explain their pattern rule.
  3. Challenge another group to continue their pattern.
• Circulate and ask guiding questions:
  • How does your pattern grow?
  • What is the rule of your pattern?

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4. Independent Practice (7 minutes) – “Pattern Detectives”

• Give students individual pattern worksheets with partially completed increasing patterns.
• Have students extend the patterns and explain their reasoning.
• Fast finishers: Create their own two-step increasing pattern and swap with a partner to solve.

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Assessment Opportunities

✔ Observational: While students work in groups, listen for explanations and correct use of terminology.
✔ Verbal Check-In: Ask students to describe the pattern rule aloud.
✔ Exit Ticket: Before leaving, each student writes or shares an increasing pattern they observed at home or in the classroom.

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Adaptations & Extensions

🔹 For Struggling Learners: Use physical movement (e.g., jump once, jump twice, jump three times…) to reinforce increasing patterns kinesthetically.
🔹 For Advanced Learners: Introduce two-step increasing patterns (e.g., add 2, then add 3, then add 2…). Have them create their own complex sequences.

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Reflection & Next Steps

📌 Discuss where students see patterns in real life (e.g., growing plants, number sequences, art).
📌 In the next lesson, introduce decreasing patterns and compare them to increasing patterns.

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Teacher’s Note:

This lesson encourages hands-on exploration, making abstract number sequences more concrete for students. By allowing movement, collaboration, and self-exploration, students can engage meaningfully with pattern recognition.

Would love to hear how this lesson went in your classroom! 🚀🌟