A rep-tile is a shape that can be joined with several identical copies (replicating tiles) to create a larger version of itself. It can also be divided into smaller copies of the same shape.
Squares can be rep-tiles. Four squares can be combined to make a larger square. Triangles can be rep-tiles too – can you work out how?
With this activity you will:
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- explore rotation, reflection and enlargement as you create repeating tile patterns
- use spatial skills to visualise and combine similar shapes
- practice problem solving
Check out this rep-tile example 👀
![](https://www.mathsontoast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rep-tile-activity-instructions-example.jpg)
Step 1 – draw some replicating tiles.
We have used squares for this one.
![](https://www.mathsontoast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rep-tile-activity-example.jpg)
Step 2 – draw your reptile!
We have drawn a Madagascan bigheaded turtle.
![](https://www.mathsontoast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rep-tile-turtle.jpg)
Step 3 – cut out the rep-tiles.
Jumble them up and ask someone else to make a reptile using rep-tiles!