Number Patterns word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Number Patterns word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this number patterns puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our math unit. The kids could count but had no idea how to find the rule in a pattern like 2, 4, 6, 8 or 5, 10, 15, 20. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like pattern, sequence, rule, term, next, before, add, subtract, multiply, divide, increase, decrease, even, odd, and predict. Examples include +2, +5, +10, -3, and doubling. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the pattern vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about what comes after 20 in the pattern 2,4,6,8. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple number line and arrow drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 2nd through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write the next three numbers in the pattern 3,6,9,12 on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.