Learn with Amar
Teaching video
A teaching recording for this chapter has not been published yet. Start with the worked example below and explore the related animations where available.
Grade 1 chapters and video availability01 · Read and understand
What you will learn
- Identify and extend the smallest repeating block in a pattern.
- Explain your method and check what the result means in the stated situation.
Before you start
Recognizing small groups and saying counting words; an adult may read the prompts aloud.
Keep paper nearby. Read the question once for the context, then again to identify what is known and what you need to find.
Start with a question
A bead string starts red, blue, blue, red, blue, blue. What are the next three colors?
Why this math matters
Design a repeating border and tell a partner the block they should repeat. The worked example shows how to connect the situation, its mathematical representation, and a check on the result.
Set up the model
A useful answer starts with clear assumptions:
- Use the units, grouping rules, and reference whole stated in the question.
- Treat the supplied counts and measurements as exact within the classroom model, unless an estimate or a random outcome is requested.
02 · Work through the example
Follow the reasoning, one step at a time.
Try to predict the next step before reading it. After each calculation, explain why the operation makes sense and how it helps answer the original question.
Work through it with Amar
See this example unfold.
The complete worked example, one idea at a time.
Find the repeating unit
PausedQuestion: Start with the question. Paused.
Question
Start with the question
A bead string starts red, blue, blue, red, blue, blue. What are the next three colors?
Before you calculate
Read what is known and what you need to find. Make a prediction before moving to the first calculation.
Starts paused. Play advances through the full text at a reading pace; pause whenever you need more time. Previous, Next, and the phase buttons let you set your own pace. Playback pauses when this walkthrough leaves the screen or you switch tabs.
Your device’s reduced-motion setting keeps each phase still. Manual controls remain available. The full written solution stays below.
Represent the situation
First block: red, blue, blue
Look for a group that appears again in the same order.
Connect the parts
Second block: red, blue, blue
The next three positions repeat the first group.
State and check the result
Next: red, blue, blue
Repeating the whole block preserves the stated pattern.
The result
Next: red, blue, blue
Repeating the whole block preserves the stated pattern.
Common mistakes to catch
- Check the whole repeated block, not only the last item.
- Several continuations are possible unless a rule is stated.
03 · Practice independently
Try it before revealing the answer.
Use paper or a calculator as needed. Write your units and reasoning, then open the hint or explanation to check your approach.
Practice 1
For square, circle, square, circle, what comes next?
Show a hint
Repeat the two-shape block.
Reveal answer and explanation
Square
Each circle is followed by a square in this pattern.
Practice 2
In red-blue-blue repeats, is every blue followed by red?
Show a hint
Check both blue positions.
Reveal answer and explanation
No
The first blue is followed by blue; only the second is followed by red.
Take the idea with you
Design a repeating border and tell a partner the block they should repeat.
04 · Reflect and continue
Can you explain it in your own words?
Before moving on, explain the main idea without looking at the worked example. Try both practice questions, check your reasoning, and name one mistake you now know how to avoid. Return to a step if you still need support.
Completion is your own study record, not a test score. It stays in this browser, does not sync to another device, and can be removed by clearing browser data.