LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

pattern blocks

Learn more about pattern blocks

Pattern block addition
Students will practice addition, problem solving, and writing equations in the context of a fun and challenging pattern game.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Mathematics)
By Dawn Potter.
Patterns galore!
Students will create patterns using Kidspiration software.
Format: lesson plan (grade Computer/Technology Skills and Mathematics)
By Michele Tipton.
Fractional parts with pattern blocks
Through this lesson students will understand that fractions are part of a whole. Students will identify halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, eights of a whole. They will use terms numerator, denominator and write fractions from models of fractions. Also, they will use sheets of paper to fold for different size fractions and label each part to see proportion size from least to greatest or greatest to least.
Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics)
By Brenda Collins.
Exploring patterns you can feel and hear
The following lesson will enable students to develop tactile and auditory patterns. As students observe, analyze, and make predictions about patterns they will enhance their problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)
By Carlene M. White.
Super shape shifter
Students learn shapes and put them together to make other shapes.
Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)
By Becky Woolard.

Find all 29 resources in our collection.

Multicolored two-dimensional blocks that come in shapes (for example hexagon, square, trapezoid, triangle, parallelogram, and rhombi), with each shape made of only one color. Pattern blocks are useful in demonstrating patterns and geometric concepts.

See also manipulative, geosolids.

Examples and resources

Math Portal provides an article, Working with Pattern Blocks, that contains information about introducing to students to pattern blocks.