Click image to open full size
Early Learners
Patterns and Sequences, AB and ABC Patterns
Spotting and extending color and shape patterns
Related Tools
Related Labs
Patterns are repeated arrangements that help young learners notice order in the world around them. AB patterns repeat two parts, such as red, blue, red, blue. ABC patterns repeat three parts, such as clap, stomp, jump, clap, stomp, jump. Learning patterns builds early math thinking, attention, memory, and problem solving.
Key Facts
- An AB pattern has a repeating unit with 2 parts, such as A B A B A B.
- An ABC pattern has a repeating unit with 3 parts, such as A B C A B C.
- The repeating unit is the smallest part that repeats again and again.
- To continue a pattern, find the repeating unit first, then add the next item in order.
- AB pattern positions repeat every 2 spaces, so positions 1, 3, 5 are A and positions 2, 4, 6 are B.
- ABC pattern positions repeat every 3 spaces, so positions 1, 4, 7 are A, positions 2, 5, 8 are B, and positions 3, 6, 9 are C.
Vocabulary
- Pattern
- A pattern is an arrangement that follows a rule and repeats in a predictable way.
- Sequence
- A sequence is a set of objects, sounds, movements, or numbers placed in a specific order.
- AB pattern
- An AB pattern is a pattern with two parts that repeat, such as circle, square, circle, square.
- ABC pattern
- An ABC pattern is a pattern with three parts that repeat, such as red, yellow, blue, red, yellow, blue.
- Repeating unit
- The repeating unit is the smallest group of items that repeats to make the whole pattern.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking only at the last item, because the next item depends on the repeating unit, not just the item at the end.
- Calling any colorful row a pattern, because a true pattern must follow a rule that repeats.
- Mixing up AB and ABC patterns, because AB patterns repeat 2 parts while ABC patterns repeat 3 parts.
- Skipping a part when continuing the pattern, because each item must stay in the same order as the repeating unit.
Practice Questions
- 1 Continue this AB pattern for 4 more items: red, blue, red, blue, red, blue, __, __, __, __.
- 2 Continue this ABC pattern for 6 more items: star, heart, moon, star, heart, moon, __, __, __, __, __, __.
- 3 A child makes this pattern: clap, stomp, jump, clap, stomp, jump. Explain whether it is an AB pattern or an ABC pattern and tell how you know.