Growing shape patterns

What this chapter teaches

Squares in a row share sticks: one square needs 4 sticks and each new square adds 3. A table of the first few rows shows the pattern, and a rule lets you skip ahead. A common mistake is to say 3 squares need 12 sticks, which forgets that squares share sides.

Three questions to ask

There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.

1. How many sticks do 5 squares in a row need, and how did you work it out?
2. Why does each new square add only 3 sticks and not 4?
3. How could you find the sticks for 20 squares without drawing them?

After the chapter, the learner can

• Draw the next shape of a growing pattern of squares
• Make a table of the number of squares and sticks