Pattern Pants True or False: Identifying Repeating Patterns Worksheets is a fun and focused resource designed to help students develop pattern recognition skills through observation, reasoning and colour. Featuring pairs of pants decorated with different 2D shape arrangements, this activity encourages students to decide whether each design forms a repeating pattern or not—supporting both visual discrimination and early algebraic thinking.

Students examine each design and determine whether the shapes displayed follow a repeating sequence. Patterns such as AB, AABB and ABC are included to provide variety and support concept consolidation. By colouring a thumbs-up or thumbs-down symbol, students indicate whether a true pattern is present, before optionally colouring in the pants to match the sequence—reinforcing their decision and encouraging creative engagement with shape and colour.

This resource helps strengthen patterning knowledge and visual scanning while building language and reasoning skills. It’s a perfect next step for students who are beginning to move from creating patterns to identifying and describing them. The friendly “pants” theme adds a playful twist, ensuring student interest remains high throughout the task.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and evaluate repeating patterns using 2D shapes
• ✅ Recognise and describe common pattern types (e.g. AB, AABB, ABC)
• ✅ Use reasoning to justify whether a sequence is a pattern
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor control through colouring and visual scanning

What’s Included:

• Printable worksheet featuring pairs of pants with a variety of shape sequences
• Thumbs-up/thumbs-down indicators for pattern identification

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet pages
• Pencils and coloured markers
• Optional enlarged copies (A3) for younger learners

How to Use:

• Start by revising different types of repeating patterns (AB, ABB, AABB, ABC) using physical manipulatives or visuals.
• Guide students through how to “read” the shapes—top to bottom or left to right—on each design.
• Ask students to colour either the thumbs-up or thumbs-down icon to show whether they think the shapes form a pattern.
• Students can then colour the shapes on the pants where a true pattern is present, using consistent colours to reinforce both shape and colour sequencing.
• Encourage students to discuss or write about their decisions, using vocabulary such as “it repeats,” “same order,” or “not a pattern.”

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a follow-up to a hands-on patterning task using counters or blocks
• 💡 Add to your numeracy rotations for a focus on visual pattern recognition
• 💡 Incorporate into small group instruction to support early algebraic thinking
• 💡 Use as an informal assessment tool to gauge patterning confidence and understanding

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Enlarge to A3 for students who would benefit from more visual space
• 💛 Prompt students to describe the patterns aloud using full sentences
• 💛 Use the thumbs-down responses as discussion starters: “Why isn’t this a pattern?”
• 💛 For a hands-on alternative, try our Pattern Pants Craft as a creative extension

Pattern Pants True or False: Identifying Repeating Patterns Worksheets is a must-have resource for developing pattern recognition and critical thinking skills in early learners. With its simple format and engaging visuals, it’s a classroom favourite for supporting foundational maths concepts in a memorable way.