3rd Grade Filling Gaps in a Pattern Worksheet: Draw the Missing Shapes

A pattern keeps the same group of shapes in the same order, again and again. This 3rd grade filling gaps in a pattern worksheet has four repeating patterns, numbered 1 to 4, made of black outline shapes on grid paper. Row 1 is a worked example: triangle, triangle, square repeats, and the missing group is drawn in pink. In rows 2 to 4, a line marks each gap, so your child finds the group that repeats and then draws it on the line. Row 2 uses circles and triangles, while row 3 mixes hexagons, pentagons and thin rectangles. Row 4 brings stars, pentagons and circles. Page two shows every answer in pink, with a small mermaid at the top.

The repeating groups

These shape patterns each have their own repeating group, and your child can name it with letters. Row 1 is triangle, triangle, square, which is an AAB pattern. Row 2 is circle, triangle, circle, so it reads ABA, and both gaps take that same group of three.

Row 3 is hexagon, pentagon, rectangle, an ABC pattern, and two of its gaps come before the first shapes. Row 4 is star, pentagon, circle, which is also ABC, with two gaps in a row. All the answers in the key are right. This skill is usually taught before third grade, so the page works well as a quick review.

At the table: circle the group first

Before drawing, ask your child to circle the first full group in each row with a pencil. Then they say it aloud, such as "star, pentagon, circle", and point to each shape as they go along the row. When they reach a gap, they know exactly what comes next.

The text has a few slips to fix. The instruction on page one says "parterns", and the worked example writes "paltern" twice. On page two, the instruction reads "reaping parterns" with no period. Row 1 is also solved on the student page, but it is not labeled as an example.

After the page: a pattern of objects

Line up spoons and forks on the table: spoon, fork, fork, spoon, fork, fork. Then hide one group under a napkin, and your child tells you what is missing. Next, let your child build a pattern for you to complete. Finally, check the three rows with the answer key on page two.