Patterns: What Comes Next?
Preschool · 3–5An AB pattern alternates two things — circle, square, circle, square — and it is the first pattern most children can both spot and extend, usually around three. Point along the row and say it aloud before drawing anything: children very often hear the rule before they see it. Spotting and extending a repeat is early algebraic thinking, and it predicts later maths confidence better than counting does.
The simplest pattern there is
An AB pattern alternates two things — circle, square, circle, square — and it is the first pattern children can both recognise and extend, usually around three. The row on this sheet stops partway and asks what comes next.
Saying the pattern out loud while pointing along the row is what makes the rule audible. Children often hear it before they see it.
Why patterns matter
Spotting and extending a repeating pattern is early algebraic thinking, and it is a stronger predictor of later mathematical confidence than counting is. It is also one of the few maths skills that develops as readily through play as through teaching.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an AB pattern?
- The simplest repeating pattern — two things alternating, like circle, square, circle, square. Most children can spot and extend one around three.
- Why do patterns matter for maths?
- Spotting and extending a repeat is early algebraic thinking, and it predicts later mathematical confidence better than counting ability does.