Number Patterns and Sequences for Kids
Spotting the pattern in a number sequence is an important step toward algebraic thinking. Here are the types of sequences and how to crack them.
What a number sequence is
A row of numbers following a specific rule: 2, 4, 6, 8... The rule here is "add 2." The child's task is finding the rule and continuing the sequence.
Arithmetic sequences
A constant gap
3, 6, 9, 12... — the gap is always 3. Next number: 12+3=15. The simplest and most common sequence type in elementary school.
5, 10, 15, 20, ? (25)
1, 4, 7, 10, ? (13)
20, 17, 14, 11, ? (8 — gap of -3)
Multiplicative sequences
Each number multiplied
1, 2, 4, 8, 16... — each next number doubles. The gap here isn't constant (1, 2, 4, 8), but another pattern exists — multiplying by 2.
Alternating sequences
Two rules taking turns
1, 3, 2, 4, 3, 5... The first, third, fifth numbers grow by 1 (1,2,3); the second, fourth, sixth also grow by 1 (3,4,5), but offset. A harder type — it teaches viewing the row from different angles.
The "guess the rule" game
An adult states 3-4 numbers of a sequence; the child guesses the rule and continues it. Then swap roles — the child invents their own sequence for the adult. Building sequences locks in understanding deeper than decoding someone else's.
🔢 Patterns are part of the logic in our game!
Our logic mode trains finding patterns in number sequences.
🎮 Play