Patterns with Shapes Craft Activities for Hands-On Maths Learning

Understanding patterns is a key part of early mathematical thinking, helping students recognise structure, predict what comes next and build foundational algebraic thinking skills. In a Year 1 classroom, this includes identifying repeating units, creating patterns using visual elements and describing patterns using mathematical language.

This patterns with shapes craft pack has been designed to make these abstract concepts tangible and engaging. Students colour, cut and arrange shapes to create repeating patterns across a variety of fun templates, including themed designs like patterned pants, clam shells, octopus legs and crowns. Each activity encourages students to not only build patterns, but also identify and describe the repeating unit—an essential step in deepening their understanding.

The hands-on nature of this resource supports a wide range of learners by combining creativity with explicit maths outcomes. By physically manipulating shapes, students can see how patterns are built, test their ideas and make corrections independently. This craft-based approach also helps boost engagement, making maths feel more like a creative task than a worksheet activity.

Creative Ways to Use Patterns Year 1 Activities in Your Classroom

This pattern crafts resource is highly flexible and can be used in a variety of engaging and unexpected ways to enhance your maths lessons:

• Maths and art integration project: Turn the activity into a cross-curricular lesson by focusing on colour choice, symmetry and design while students create their patterns.
• Pattern detectives challenge: After completing their craft, have students walk around the room to identify and describe patterns in their peers’ work, encouraging mathematical language and peer learning.
• Classroom display with student explanations: Create a vibrant wall display where each student showcases their pattern and labels the repeating unit, reinforcing understanding through visual reference.

Download Your Pattern Craft Resource Today

This engaging pattern craft resource is available as a ready-to-download PDF, making it quick and easy to print and use in your classroom. It also includes an editable Google Slides version, allowing you to customise or differentiate the activities to suit your students’ needs. Simply use the download button to access both formats. (Please note that you will be prompted to make your own copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.)

For best results, it is recommended to print the templates on A3 size paper to give students plenty of space to create and display their patterns.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a TeachStarter collaborator.

More Pattern Activities Below

The fun doesn’t stop there! Check out more pattern resources below.

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