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Reception Maths Autumn Block 3

Autumn Block 3: Measure and patterns

Explore size, mass, capacity and repeating patterns with our Reception Autumn Block 3 lesson pack. Aligned with the White Rose EYFS maths progression, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive slides, hands-on activities and practical recording tasks to support whole-class teaching and continuous provision.

With strong foundations as the focus, pupils build the core language and reasoning they need to compare, describe and explain. They compare objects by size, mass and capacity, then spot, continue and create simple repeating patterns using everyday materials.

Download our free Reception maths yearly overview Explore maths subject leader resources

View White Rose small steps

Week 5 Small Steps:

  • Comparing size
  • Comparing mass
  • Comparing capacity

Week 6 Small Steps:

  • Identifying a repeating pattern
  • Continuing a repeating pattern
  • Creating a repeating pattern

More about Reception Autumn Block 3: Measure and patterns

This Reception unit introduces early measurement and pattern through practical, hands-on maths lessons. Across Weeks 5 and 6, pupils compare size, mass and capacity, then move on to recognising, continuing and creating simple repeating patterns. All activities follow the White Rose EYFS maths progression and support mathematical language, reasoning and sequencing.

With strong foundations as the priority, pupils are supported to use accurate vocabulary and explain what they notice, making comparisons and describing patterns in a clear, developmentally appropriate way.

Week 5: Measure

  • Comparing size: Pupils use everyday language such as bigger, smaller, longer and shorter to compare different objects.
  • Comparing mass: Pupils explore heavier and lighter through practical tasks using real objects.
  • Comparing capacity: Pupils compare containers and begin to use language such as full, empty, more and less.

Week 6: Patterns

  • Identifying patterns: Pupils spot repeating sequences in colours, shapes, movements and sounds.
  • Continuing patterns: Pupils practise extending simple repeating patterns using hands-on resources.
  • Creating patterns: Pupils experiment with objects, actions and drawings to create their own repeating patterns.

Alongside play-based learning and continuous provision, the unit includes optional EYFS measuring worksheets and pattern worksheets to support adult-guided sessions, evidence gathering and consolidation.

Explore our full EYFS maths scheme of work.

If you’re looking for Reception measure lessons or EYFS repeating pattern activities aligned with White Rose, this block is a strong starting point.