Which patterns are there?

AB (apple, fish, apple, fish), ABB, ABC and a mixed set where every row has a different pattern, including AAB.

How do children fill in the boxes?

They draw the next pictures in the dotted boxes. For younger children, print a second copy, cut out pictures and glue them in.

Why practise patterns?

Spotting the part that repeats is the start of algebraic thinking, and it builds the habit of looking for structure, which helps with counting on, skip counting and times tables later.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, at the end of the PDF, with the missing pictures drawn in.

Pattern Worksheets: What Comes Next? AB, ABB and ABC Picture Patterns

From AB to ABC

Start with AB patterns, which most children in preschool can continue. ABB and ABC patterns have a longer repeating part, so children need to hold more in mind. The mixed set is a good check: every row asks them to find the rule again.

Make it physical

Before the sheet, build the same pattern with blocks, claps or children standing in a line. Then the drawing makes sense.

In the Australian Curriculum

FoundationRecognising, copying and continuing repeating patterns shown in different ways (AC9MFA01).
Year 1Recognising, continuing and creating repeating patterns, and identifying the repeating unit (AC9M1A02).

“Repeating unit” is the Year 1 curriculum’s term for the part that repeats. Ask children to circle the unit (apple, fish) before they draw what comes next, then to make their own pattern for a partner, which covers the “create” part of Year 1.

In Foundation, “shown in different ways” means the same AB pattern as claps, colours and objects. A quick translation task works well: turn a row of pictures into clap, stamp, clap, stamp, then back again.

Summarised in our own words from the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics, Version 9.0 (ACARA).