What Comes Next?
When you know the repeat unit, you can predict the next step. Look at the start and finish the pattern in your head.
- Name the repeat unit in a short pattern
- Predict the next shape, sound, or move
- Explain why your guess fits the pattern
Finish first
Topic contents
Lesson 1 of 3
Find the repeat unit
Look at red-blue-red-blue on a strip of paper. The repeat unit is red-blue because those two colors keep coming back together.
Cover the last shape with your finger. Ask yourself what color should be under your finger if the pattern keeps going.
The repeat unit is like a small loop. Once you find the loop, you can run it forward in your mind.
Lesson 2 of 3
Try different patterns
A pattern with three parts works the same way. Circle-square-triangle-circle-square-triangle has a three-shape repeat unit.
Patterns can shrink. If you only see star-star-moon, moon might come next because star-star-moon could be the full unit.
Say the pattern out loud as you point. Hearing the rhythm helps your brain spot what comes next faster.
Lesson 3 of 3
Check your guess
A good guess matches the whole pattern, not just the last item. If red-blue repeats, blue after red is right, but red after blue is wrong.
If two answers seem possible, look farther back. More examples on the strip tell you which unit is really repeating.
Next you will draw AB patterns on paper and label them with letters.
Practice
Work these out yourself
No answer key here on purpose: these are the questions worth thinking through before you move on. Open one and work it out.
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Check your understanding
Answer each question, then read the explanation. That is where the learning is.
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