Number Patterns Teaching Resources
Explore number patterns in your math classes this school year with fun worksheets, number sequence games and more teacher resources created to help your students understand how numbers in a sequence relate to one another.
Aligned with both TEKS and Common Core math standards, the printable and digital activities in this collection were created by the math teachers on the Teach Starter team to help you save time on your lesson plans.
Whether this is your first year teaching about number patterns or you're just looking for a little extra help, we've got you covered. Read on for a primer from our teacher team! We explain what number patterns are so you can share with your class, plus we explore three common patterns.
What Are Number Patterns? A Kid-Friendly Definition
A number pattern is a series of numbers that each follow the same rule. These patterns or sequences can help us find missing numbers or identify what number will come next in a series.
For example, let's say you are given the following list of numbers:
- 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24
This is an example of a number pattern in which the next number in the series is 4 more than the previous number. Once you can identify the pattern in a series of numbers like this one, you can then use that pattern to determine what number comes next or even what numbers could have come before the list began.
This is one of the many reasons number patterns are an important part of building students' algebraic reasoning skills. They help students understand how numbers can be related to one another and apply what they know about those relationships to solve problems.
3 Common Types of Number Patterns
We can't talk about number patterns without breaking down the different types your students are going to encounter in their math journey!
Linear Patterns
Linear patterns are number patterns in which the numbers increase or decrease by the same amount each time.
The example used above — in which each number in the series increased by a quantity of 4 — is a simple example of a linear pattern.
Geometric Number Patterns
Another type of pattern students may have to contend with is the geometric number pattern. This type involves numbers that are multiplied or divided by a constant factor.
The multiplication table is an example of a geometric number pattern.
Recursive Patterns
Students will have to make full use of their understanding of the four whole number operations to work with recursive patterns. That's because this pattern involves finding each successive number in the sequence by performing a specific operation on the previous number(s).
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Graphing Using Input-Output Tables – Differentiated Worksheets
Use data from input-output tables to graph points with this set of differentiated worksheets.
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Creating Ordered Pairs From Input-Output Tables – Worksheet
Create ordered pairs from an input-output table and determine the rule for each table with this worksheet.
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Fall Math Center - Odd and Even Number Sort
Identify and sort 2- and 3-digit numbers into odd and even categories with a Fall math activity.
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Skip Counting by 2, 5, & 10 – Worksheet
Practice counting by 2, 5, and 10 with this skip counting worksheet.
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Math Mazes (Skip Counting)
Skip count your way through 3 printable math mazes that focus on number sequencing.
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Snakes and Ladders Game - Hundreds Chart
Complete each hundreds chart by putting the missing numbered pieces into place to play a game of Snakes and Ladders.
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Count the Dimes Worksheet
Use skip counting and addition skills to determine the number of dimes needed for a given amount.
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Easter Egg Patterns – Matching Activity
Challenge students to match Easter egg patterns with this fun and engaging Easter worksheet.
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Rolling to 100 Board Game
Practice counting to 100 by 1's with this interactive hundreds chart board game for multiple players.
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100 Action Verbs
Practice counting to 100 by 1’s and 10’s with this set of 24 action cards that get students moving, reading, and writing.
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1-100 Number Chart
Count by 1’s with your students by arranging number tiles 1-100.
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100 Chart Missing Numbers
Practice counting forward beginning from a given number with this set of 100 charts and recording sheets.
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Roll and Color Worksheet - One More, One Less
An interactive worksheet to practice finding the number that is 1 more and 1 less than a given number.
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Roll and Color Worksheet for Ten More, Ten Less
Use this interactive worksheet to help students practice finding the number that is 10 more and 10 less than a given number.
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One More, One Less Board Game
Practice identifying one more and one less up to 6 with this board game.
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100 More , 100 Less Matching Game (Three-Digit Numbers)
Match 3-digit number cards to find pairs that are 100 more or 100 less of each other.
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What Comes Next? - Pattern Worksheet
Duplicate and extend simple shape patterns with this object sequencing worksheet.
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One More, One Less Match-Up - Two-Digit Numbers
Identify one more or one less of a given 2-digit number with this set of 36 match up cards.
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Ten More, Ten Less Match-Up - Two-Digit Numbers
Identify ten more or ten less of a given 2-digit number with this set of 36 match up cards
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Ten More, Ten Less Match-Up - Three-Digit Numbers
Identify ten more or ten less of a given 3-digit number with this set of 36 match up cards.
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Number Chart – 1-20
A bright number chart representing numbers 1-20.
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Ten More, Ten Less Worksheet
Practice or review adding and subtracting 10 from a given number.
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One More, One Less Worksheet
Practice foundational addition and subtraction facts using the concepts of one more and one less.
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Mini-Mystery – Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty?
A fun, logic-based activity where students read clues to solve the mystery.
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More or Less Worksheet
Practice adding and subtracting 10 and 100 to a three-digit number.
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Connect the Dots Worksheet — Skip Counting by Twos (Car-Themed)
Use this printable connect-the-dots worksheet with a car theme for students to demonstrate skip counting by twos.
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Complex Dot-to-dot – Skip Counting by Fives (Turtle) – Worksheet
A complex dot-to-dot where students demonstrate skip counting by fives.
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Complex Dot-to-dot – Skip Counting by Sevens (Wolf) – Worksheet
A complex dot-to-dot where students demonstrate skip counting by sevens.
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Complex Dot-to-dot – Prime Numbers (Gymnast) – Worksheet
A complex dot-to-dot where students demonstrate their knowledge of prime numbers.
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Complex Dot-to-Dot – Skip Counting by Threes (Castle) – Worksheet
A complex dot-to-dot where students demonstrate skip counting by threes.
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Complex Dot-to-dot – Skip Counting by Twos (Seahorses) – Worksheet
A complex dot-to-dot where students demonstrate skip counting by twos.
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Complex Dot-to-dot – Square Numbers (Skateboarder) – Worksheet
A complex dot-to-dot where students order square numbers.
- Number Patterns Worksheets
- Number Patterns Games
- Number Patterns Posters
- Number Patterns Templates
- Number Patterns for Pre-K
- Number Patterns for Kindergarten
- Number Patterns for 1st Grade
- Number Patterns for 2nd Grade
- Number Patterns for 3rd Grade
- Number Patterns for 4th Grade
- Number Patterns for 5th Grade
- Number Patterns for 6th Grade