Shape Patterns

Standards

Common Core State Standards (Mathematics) - Grade 3
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.D.9: Identify arithmetic patterns and explain them using properties of operations.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.1: Understand that shapes in different categories may share attributes and that the shared attributes can define a larger category.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.C.5: Recognize right triangles, right rectangular prisms, and understand attributes of shapes.
- Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) Mathematics
  - MGSE3.G.1: Understand the attributes of shapes and create composite shapes.

Big Picture

Essential Question: How can we create patterns using shapes?
Lesson 5/11 in the unit Shapes in My World
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Focus: Identify and extend shape patterns, using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to engage all learners including English Language Learners (ELLs).

Learning Objectives

I can

Recognize and identify repeating patterns made with shapes.
Extend patterns by predicting and adding the next shapes in the sequence.
Explain why a pattern repeats using appropriate vocabulary.

Success Criteria

I can accurately create and extend a variety of shape patterns.
I can use shape names (circle, square, triangle) and position words (next, after, repeat) to explain my pattern.
I can listen carefully and share my thinking with my classmates.

Language Focus

Content Vocabulary: pattern, repeat, sequence, shape, circle, square, triangle, color, next, before, after
Language Functions: Describe, explain, compare, sequence
Syntax/Discourse: Using complete sentences to describe patterns, e.g., “The pattern repeats circle, square, triangle.”
ELL Support: Sentence frames:
- “The pattern is ___, ___, ___.”
- “Next in the pattern is ___.”

Materials & Resources

Colored paper shapes (circles, squares, triangles in multiple colors like red, blue, yellow) - 5 sets for group work
Whiteboard & markers
Pattern activity sheet (dyslexia-friendly font, clear spacing, high contrast colors)
Sentence strips with key vocabulary and sentence starters
Visual aids with example patterns
Lined writing paper and pencils

Lesson Layout & Instructional Time

Activity	Time	Details
1. Introduction & Engagement	8 min	Introduce the essential question using a colorful visual of shape patterns. Use think-aloud to describe a pattern on the board.
2. Guided Practice	15 min	In groups of 5, students create given pattern sequences with paper shapes and explain their pattern aloud. Teacher models language use and scaffold vocabulary for ELLs.
3. Independent Practice	12 min	Students individually complete pattern extension worksheets, using dyslexia-friendly materials. They write or orally explain their patterns using sentence frames.
4. Share & Reflect (Closure)	7 min	Selected students share their patterns and reasoning in pairs or small groups, then whole class discussion reinforcing vocabulary and concepts. Exit ticket: “I can create and explain a shape pattern.”
5. Assessment	Ongoing	Formative: Observation of group activity participation, worksheet accuracy, oral explanations, and peer sharing. Note language use for ELL support.

Differentiation Strategies

Student Group	Strategy
English Language Learners (ELL)	Use sentence frames, visual aids, paired peer discussions, and modeling.
Students with Dyslexia	Provide dyslexia-friendly worksheets (font like OpenDyslexic, ample spacing), oral instructions, and extra time.
Advanced Learners	Challenge with creating more complex patterns (ABBA, ABCB), or patterns with 3+ attributes (shape & color). Include extensions such as designing patterns using 3D shapes.
Kinesthetic Learners	Use hands-on shape manipulation and movement to represent patterns physically (e.g., stepping in a shape pattern).
Auditory Learners	Encourage group discussions and verbal explanations of patterns.

Extension Activities

Math Journaling: Write a short story combining a shape pattern with a narrative (e.g., a “magic” shape that repeats).
Pattern Hunt: Find and photograph shape patterns in the classroom or outside. Present findings to the class.
Tech Integration: Use a tablet app to create and animate shape patterns.

Notes for Teacher

Begin with a warm, engaging hook to connect shapes with real-world objects.
Encourage the use of “I can…” language throughout to build student confidence.
Regularly check comprehension with thumbs-up/down or exit tickets.
Rotate group roles—speaker, shape organizer, recorder—to develop social and executive functioning skills.
Reinforce the concept that patterns help us predict what comes next, a key mathematical skill.

This comprehensive, multisensory approach will support all learners in third grade to identify, create, and articulate patterns with shapes confidently, fulfilling Common Core and Georgia standards while addressing language acquisition and diverse learning needs.

Teaching Instructions