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Early math

Teaching Repeating Patterns Step by Step

Help children identify the repeating unit, predict what comes next and create their own patterns.

5 min readParents & educatorsKindergartenLab learning library
In this guide
Complete The Pattern: Baseball, Soccer Ball, Basketball printable worksheet example for Teaching Repeating Patterns Step by Step
Printable example related to this guide

Pattern work supports prediction and logical thinking. The key is to notice the smallest unit that repeats rather than simply guessing the next colourful object.

01

Read the pattern aloud

Give each item a name and say the sequence rhythmically: red, blue, red, blue. The spoken rhythm makes repetition easier to hear.

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02

Find the repeating unit

Place a finger under one complete unit and show where it begins again. Start with AB patterns before using AAB, ABB or ABC structures.

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03

Create a new example

After completing the worksheet, build the same rule with blocks, movements or sounds. Changing the materials shows that the rule matters more than the pictures.