Pattern Recognition
What comes next? Spot the pattern and complete it. Play online or print pattern worksheets.
About Pattern Recognition
Patterns are the first step to algebra and logical thinking. Children see a row of pictures that repeats and choose or build what comes next. Start with simple AB patterns (red, blue, red, blue) and move up to AAB, ABB, ABC and ABCD. Print worksheets to draw the next pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pattern?
A pattern is something that repeats in a predictable way, such as red, blue, red, blue. Spotting the repeating part is the key skill.
What do AB and ABC mean?
Each letter stands for a different picture. AB repeats two pictures, AAB repeats two of the first then one of the second, and ABC repeats three different pictures.
Is there a printable worksheet?
Yes. Choose Printable worksheet for eight patterns with two empty boxes each. Tick Include answers to add an answer list.
Teacher's guide to Pattern Recognition
Free pattern recognition activities for kids: what comes next in the pattern? Try AB, AAB, ABB, ABC and ABCD patterns with coloured circles, fruit, animals, nature and numbers. Play online or print pattern worksheets with answers.
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How to use it
- Choose What comes next? quiz, Continue the pattern or a Printable worksheet.
- Pick a level: easy AB patterns up to ABC and ABCD, and a set of pictures.
- In the quiz, tap the picture that comes next. In Continue the pattern, tap pictures to fill three empty boxes.
- For paper, choose Printable worksheet and tick Include answers if you want an answer list.
Classroom ideas
- Make a pattern with real objects such as blocks or buttons, then copy it on screen.
- Clap and stamp patterns (clap, stamp, clap, stamp) before screen time.
- Ask children to say the pattern out loud as they read along.
Class activities that use this tool
- Pattern Parade 20 min · Children make and continue patterns with their bodies, objects and the pattern tool.
Common questions about the pattern recognition
How do I teach patterns to preschoolers?
Start with real objects in an AB pattern, say the pattern out loud, then move to pictures and longer patterns.
What are AB, AAB and ABC patterns?
Letters stand for repeating pictures: AB repeats two, AAB repeats two of the first and one of the second, ABC repeats three.
Is there a printable pattern worksheet?
Yes. Choose Printable worksheet and press Print.