Mixed Number Patterns Worksheet for Grade 1

A mixed pattern page shows whether a child can choose a rule independently, not only follow a rule printed in the directions. This Grade 1 worksheet combines increasing number sequences, decreasing sequences, repeating picture patterns, rule selection, and short challenge items. It works well after learners have practised +1, +2, +5, and +10 separately.

Four kinds of thinking on one page

The first section asks children to continue six number patterns and two picture patterns. The “Find the rule” section gives four choices for each row, requiring the learner to compare differences. “Up or down?” focuses attention on direction as well as jump size. The final challenge asks for an odd one out, a missing number, four more values after 130, and the next number in an add-2 sequence.

A strategy for unfamiliar rows

1. Read at least three numbers, not only the final pair.
2. Decide whether the values go up, go down, or repeat.
3. Find the difference between the first two numbers.
4. Test that difference on the next pair.
5. Continue only when the same rule works throughout.

For example, 20, 18, 16, 14 decreases by 2 each time. Checking both 20→18 and 18→16 prevents a learner from guessing based on one step. For the picture rows, name the colors aloud and look for the repeating unit: red circle, blue circle.

Use errors as an assessment

If a child continues +2 and +5 patterns correctly but chooses the wrong written rule, the mathematics may be stronger than the vocabulary. Ask the learner to show the jump on a number line. If the child handles increasing rows but reverses a decreasing sequence, practise reading the arrow and using subtraction language. If number rows are accurate but picture patterns are not, focus on finding the smallest unit that repeats.

How to differentiate the activity

For support, cover three sections and complete only “Continue the pattern” first. Write + or − beside each number row after the learner identifies its direction. For extension, ask the child to create a new pattern with the same rule but a different starting number. A strong explanation might be, “My pattern begins at 17 and adds 5, so it is 17, 22, 27, 32.”

Answer check and what to use next

Do not check only the final value; confirm that every new entry follows the same difference. The full answer key covers the number rows, picture colors, rule choices, and challenge questions. If errors cluster around one rule, return to the matching focused worksheet in our Continue a Pattern collection. Learners who complete the mixed review confidently are ready for the number pattern challenge worksheet.