Working with the Definition of Linear Patterns

Non-Traditional Patterns (Official Definition): any pattern that does not follow a repetitive or symmetrical pattern.

Linear Patterns (in 7th grade language): a group of numbers or shapes that look like they repeat in the same order.

Linear Pattern (Official Definition): any pattern that appears to contain repeating sequences of shapes or numbers.
(from: http://www.wgquirk.com/NCEEES.html )

These two linear pattern definitions differ only in their verbiage. This is an important point to attend to when introducing any new topic to students. The first definition contains “kid-friendly” terms that are age appropriate. In the second definition, students may not realize that the word “sequences” refers to the order in which the numbers or shapes appear. After researching the term a little bit more, I think I would change my “7th grade” definition to read like this:

Linear Pattern – a group of numbers or shapes that repeat in a certain order. This order follows a “rule.”

This word “rule” is used in quite a few PSSA problems, so I feel it is important to introduce that term from the very beginning. By repeating the phrase over and over, students will become familiar with it.

As far as teaching the definition goes, students need not memorize it verbatim. It may be easier for them to remember what a linear pattern is by remembering patterns that repeat (e.g. 1, 3, 5, 7, 1, 3, 5, 7… or @, $, #, @, $, #…). Examples from real life can also be used. If students can remember that a tile floor or that a brick wall are examples of linear patterns, it should be very easy for them to remember that linear patterns contain repeating sequences.