The note
How schools teach it now
KS2 maths covers number patterns and turns, but shape series aren't usually taught. The 11+ strategy: follow one feature at a time across the boxes (turning, shading, number of dots, sides, position) and work out each rule separately. Then eliminate options that break any rule.
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Use a clock or a Lego brick with a coin on top. Move the hand or turn the brick a quarter turn each step while adding one coin each time. Ask what step six looks like. Then let your child make a two-rule pattern for you.
Worked example
Box 1: an arrow pointing up with 1 dot. Box 2: right, 2 dots. Box 3: down, 3 dots. Box 4: left, 4 dots. Box 5: up, 5 dots. What comes next?
- Arrow: up, right, down, left is a quarter turn clockwise each time, so after up comes right.
- Dots: one more each time, so 6.
- Look for the option that gets both rules right.
Answer: An arrow pointing right with 6 dots
Common mistakes to watch for
- Spotting one rule and forgetting there may be two or three.
- Turning the wrong way, or too far.
- Miscounting dots or sides in the last step.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “One rule at a time, then put them together. Brilliant method.”
- Rather than
- “Can't you see what happens next?”