Bring excitement and movement to your maths lessons with Pattern Paper Plane. This fun and active resource combines the joy of creating and flying paper planes with the important mathematical skill of recognising, continuing, and designing repeating patterns. Students will engage both their creative and problem-solving abilities while adding an energetic, hands-on twist to their patterning practice.

Each template features foldable lines to make building the paper planes simple and accessible for all learners. Students can choose between two versions — a grid-lined template that is perfect for creating colour-based repeating patterns, or a blank version that allows them to draw unique shapes or thematic designs to create their own patterns. This flexibility makes the resource suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Once decorated, students follow the step-by-step folding instructions to build their planes. Not only will they have the satisfaction of creating their own designs, but they will also get the thrill of flying their finished paper planes — adding a playful and active dimension to your maths lesson. Whether used indoors in a cleared space or outdoors on a breezy day, this activity is sure to be a hit with your class.

The Pattern Paper Plane activity works beautifully for individual learning, partner work, or small group rotations. It can also be used as a fast finisher task, a reward activity that still has strong educational value, or a cross-curricular link between maths and art.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and create repeating patterns using colour or shape
• ✅ Continue given patterns accurately
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills through folding and colouring
• ✅ Follow step-by-step instructions to complete a task
• ✅ Engage in active learning through a hands-on activity

What’s Included:

• Paper plane template with gridlines for creating colour patterns
• Blank paper plane template for designing unique shaped patterns
• Folding instructions for constructing the planes

Materials Needed:

• Printed paper plane templates
• Coloured pencils, markers, or crayons
• Scissors (optional, for trimming edges if required)

How to Use:

1. Introduce or revise the concept of repeating patterns.
2. Allow students to select either the gridline or blank plane template.
3. Have students colour their chosen template, ensuring they follow a repeating pattern rule.
4. Guide students through the folding instructions to construct their paper planes.
5. Finish with a plane-flying session, encouraging students to share and discuss their designs.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as part of a maths rotation to combine creativity and hands-on learning
• 💡 Organise a ‘pattern parade’ where students display and explain their designs before flying
• 💡 Host a friendly competition to see whose patterned plane can fly the furthest
• 💡 Link with a STEM discussion on aerodynamics and plane design

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on slightly heavier paper to make the planes sturdier and longer-lasting
• 💛 Pre-fold one example for younger students to follow as a model
• 💛 Encourage students to create patterns that match a class theme or seasonal celebration
• 💛 Use this as a reward activity that still reinforces key maths skills

Pattern Paper Plane turns patterning into an energetic, creative, and memorable classroom experience. By blending art, movement, and maths, it offers students a unique way to explore and master repeating patterns while having a fantastic time.