Today is rung 5 of 5 on this topic
Making and continuing patterns
Can do: Continues a red-blue-red-blue pattern and can say what comes next.
Why it matters
Patterns are the first algebra. Predicting what comes next from a rule is the same mental move as extending a sequence or spotting a times-table pattern later.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
They make a lovely arrangement with no repeating unit, or they continue for two items and then drift.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Lay out spoon, fork, spoon, fork. "What comes next?"
Solid looks like: Spoon — and ideally they carry on for two or three more.
The full activity for this topic · 5 minutes
Pattern Trains
- 1Build an AB pattern out loud: "Red, blue, red, blue…"
- 2Stop mid-pattern and wait. Silence does more work than a question here.
- 3Say the pattern in a rhythm — clap, stamp, clap, stamp. Bodies learn patterns faster than eyes.
- 4Let them build one and you continue it. Get it wrong sometimes.
- 5Try patterns with sounds and movements too, not just objects.
If it's too hard
Keep it to two objects and lay out three full repeats before asking.
If it's too easy
Move to ABC (red, blue, yellow) or AAB (clap, clap, stamp).
Say this
"Red, blue, red, blue… what has to come next? Say the pattern out loud with me."