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Year 4

Patterns and repeats

I can describe repetition.

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New
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Year 4

Patterns and repeats

I can describe repetition.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Repetition can be seen in everyday tasks.
  2. Sequences have patterns which repeat.
  3. Count-controlled loops are used to produce specific outcomes.

Keywords

  • Pattern - a design or sequence that repeats

  • Repeat - something that happens multiple times

  • Count-controlled loop - a chunk of code that repeatedly runs a section of the program a certain number of times

Common misconception

Repetition is only about numbers and how they are repeated.

Repetition means any repeated action, not just counting (e.g., brushing both sides of your teeth).


To help you plan your year 4 computing lesson on: Patterns and repeats, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Repeating commands can be referred to as a ‘loop’. Loops can be repeated indefinitely, or a set number of times — the latter are called ‘count-controlled loops’, and will be used in this lesson. Use examples such as repeated moves in dance routines to illustrate repetition a set number of times.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Software that can run Logo code is required to complete activities. This could be downloaded software such as FMSLogo or online alternatives.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is an algorithm?
Correct answer: a precise sequence of steps to solve a task
a random set of commands
a type of program
a debugging tool
Q2.
What is the purpose of a program?
Correct answer: to complete a task using a set of instructions
to move the turtle to its home position
to debug errors in a program
to create random commands
Q3.
What is the role of a screen turtle?
to debug the program
Correct answer: to draw and move when given commands
to create algorithms
to check syntax errors
Q4.
What does debugging involve?
writing new commands
planning an algorithm
moving the turtle
Correct answer: finding and fixing errors in a program
Q5.
What command turns the turtle 90 degrees to the right?
Correct Answer: rt 90
Q6.
What command moves the turtle forward by 100 steps?
Correct Answer: fd 100

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the terms with their purposes.
Correct Answer:repetition,saves time by reusing code

saves time by reusing code

Correct Answer:pattern,helps identify repeated sequences

helps identify repeated sequences

Correct Answer:count-controlled loop,repeats tasks for a specific number of times

repeats tasks for a specific number of times

Q2.
What is repetition in programming?
a loop that only counts numbers
a way to fix errors
Correct answer: a repeated action or task
a method to draw shapes
Q3.
What is a count-controlled loop?
a loop that repeats a task until a condition is met
Correct answer: a loop that repeats a specific number of times
a loop that only works with patterns
a loop that fixes errors in the program
Q4.
Why is repetition useful in programming?
It makes the program easier to read.
It removes errors from the program.
It ensures the program will run faster.
Correct answer: It saves time by avoiding writing the same commands multiple times.
Q5.
Put these steps in order to use a count-controlled loop:
1 - set the number of repetitions
2 - write the commands to be repeated
3 - run the loop
Q6.
What command makes the turtle draw a square by repeating a forward movement of 100 steps and turning right?
Correct Answer: repeat 4 [fd 100 rt 90], repeat 4 [rt 90 fd 100]