Pattern Maze: ShapesFree printable worksheets
Aims
- Telling apart small differences in shape (visual discrimination)
- Finding the next symbol among the nearby squares while comparing it with the pattern (visual search)
- Keeping a pattern that is hard to name in mind while moving (working memory)
- Looking ahead at a branch to choose the way (planning)
Your child follows the symbols in the order shown at the top of the page (after the last symbol, the pattern starts again from the first), moving from the start to the finish.The rule is the same as in "Pattern Maze: Pictures," but the symbols have no color, and at higher levels they become hard to name, like "a star in a circle." Your child cannot simply say the names while moving, so they need to compare small differences in shape with the pattern again and again.It is a step up, best tried after the picture version.
Prints well in black and white.
Level 3 example ›
Levels
| Level 1 | 4 × 5 squares, a pattern of 2 symbols. Plain shapes only (circle, triangle, square, and so on). | 10 worksheets |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | 5 × 6 squares, a pattern of 3 symbols. Plain shapes only. | 10 worksheets |
| Level 3 | 6 × 8 squares, a pattern of 3 symbols. Each shape has a dot or line inside. | 10 worksheets |
| Level 4 | 7 × 9 squares, a pattern of 4 symbols. Each shape has a filled shape inside (a star in a circle, and so on). | 10 worksheets |
| Level 5 | 9 × 11 squares, a pattern of 5 symbols. Symbols that share only the outer shape or only the inner shape are mixed into the pattern. | 10 worksheets |
Tips
- Check the order of the symbols at the top. After the symbol on the right, go back to the symbol on the left.
- From the square at the red arrow (start), draw a line with a pencil to the next square up, down, left, or right, following the pattern. No diagonal moves.
- The maze is done when the line reaches the blue arrow (finish).
- Follow the patternDiamond → half circle → diamond → half circle … After the last symbol, start again from the first.
- Up, down, left, or right onlyThe corners of each square are closed, so no diagonal moves.
- At a dead end, go backWhere the next symbol is in two neighboring squares, the path branches. Going into a dead end is fine. Just go back and look for another way.
For what to say, choosing a level and what to do if it is too hard, see Pattern Maze: Shapes: a guide for grown-ups.
Worksheets
Choose a worksheet to open its printing page.
Level 14 × 5 squares, a pattern of 2 symbols. Plain shapes only (circle, triangle, square, and so on).
Level 25 × 6 squares, a pattern of 3 symbols. Plain shapes only.
Level 36 × 8 squares, a pattern of 3 symbols. Each shape has a dot or line inside.
Level 47 × 9 squares, a pattern of 4 symbols. Each shape has a filled shape inside (a star in a circle, and so on).
Level 59 × 11 squares, a pattern of 5 symbols. Symbols that share only the outer shape or only the inner shape are mixed into the pattern.
Pattern Maze: Shapes: a guide for grown-ups
Who it is for
- Ready after the picture versionThe same rule, one step up with symbols.
- Telling shapes apart is hardPractice comparing small differences between similar symbols with the pattern.
- Relies on words to rememberThe symbols are hard to name, so your child practices checking with the eyes while moving.
- Rushes ahead without planningPractice looking ahead at a branch and choosing which way to go.
- Loves mazes and puzzlesA maze with a rule, different from a regular maze.
Choosing a level
Reached the finish following the pattern, without getting lost
- Go up one level.
- Before drawing, try following the route to the finish with the eyes only.
Mixes up similar symbols or loses track of the pattern
- Go down one level.
- Go back to "Pattern Maze: Pictures."
- Point to the symbol in the pattern at each step to check.
What to watch for
| Comparing | Does your child look back at the pattern at each step? Do they stop and check at similar symbols? |
|---|---|
| Mistakes | Does your child look only at the outer shape and miss what is inside? Which symbols get mixed up? |
| Branches | Where the next symbol is in two neighboring squares, does your child stop and think? Can they find their way back from a dead end on their own? |
| Time | Writing the time at the bottom of the page each time makes small changes easier to notice. Copying it onto the Time Log lets you line up results at the same level. |
If something keeps worrying you, it can help to talk with an eye doctor or another specialist rather than deciding on your own.
Things you can say
- Before startingLook closely at the shapes. What is inside?Help your child notice both the outer shape and what is inside.
- When stuckIs it the same as the pattern? Let's compare.Do not give the answer. Let your child compare with the pattern to check.
- At a dead endLet's go back and try another way.Going into a dead end is not a failure. Going back and trying again is fine.
- When finishedYou looked carefully, even at the shapes that look alike!Notice that your child compared carefully, not just how fast they were.
FAQ
Is there an answer page?
Yes. Page 2 of the PDF is the answer page. Worksheet-only and answers-only PDFs are also available.
Should we start with this or the picture version?
We recommend starting with "Pattern Maze: Pictures." In the symbol version, your child cannot just say the names while moving, so it is harder than the picture version.
Is there only one correct route?
Yes. Every maze is made so there is exactly one route from the start to the finish that follows the pattern, and every possible route is checked.
How much should we do at a time?
There is no set amount. One or two mazes at a time is a good guide, and it is best to stop while your child still wants a little more. See "Every Day? How Much?" for more.
Articles
About the code at the bottom right
The code at the bottom right of each worksheet (for example, kangaeru-junbanmeiro-L1-skigou-k2-o2-g4x5-d1) shows its difficulty settings. Worksheets with the same code have the same difficulty. If you contact us about a worksheet, including this code helps us find it right away.
