Remember patterns in groups

Notice small groups and keep track of where they sit.

Look for a small group

You can describe a pattern using a few groups instead of naming every square separately.

Look for a short row, a corner, or a cluster. Keep its place in the grid with it.

Five filled squares in a four-by-four grid.

Give each group a place

Here is one way to describe this pattern:

3Across the top row, starting at the left.

2Across the third row, starting at the left.

“Three, then two” leaves out the positions. Include the empty row between them.

Two groups. Two places.

Try describing this pattern

Keep the picture visible for this quick check. Which note matches both the groups and their places?

Five filled squares in a four-by-four grid.

Try it

Which description matches?

  1. 3 on the top row; 2 on the third row.
  2. 3 on the top row; 2 on the bottom row.
Show the answer

3 on the top row; 2 on the third row.

Both the group sizes and their row positions match. There is one empty row between the groups, and one empty row below them.

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