Pattern Worksheet for Preschool: What Comes Next?

What's on the worksheet

1. Look at each pattern. Circle the picture that comes next.

Skills practiced

Each row shows two pictures taking turns, like apple, star, apple, star. Your child says the row out loud, notices the rhythm, and circles the picture that comes next from three choices. Spotting a repeating pattern is one of the first kinds of math thinking: it is about rules and predicting, not counting. Preschoolers who can continue an AB pattern are building the same skill they will later use for skip counting and number patterns. The last two rows switch to an ABB pattern as a small extra challenge.

How to use it, step by step

1. Read the pattern out loud together, like a chant.
2. Your child finds the part that repeats (for example: apple, pear).
3. Say which picture comes next, after the question mark.
4. Circle the right picture from the choices on the right.

Tips for parents and teachers

Read each row aloud in a sing-song voice: apple, star, apple, star, what comes next? Hearing the beat often helps more than looking. A common mistake is circling the last picture in the row instead of the one that comes after it. If that happens, point to each picture, say the names again, and pause at the question mark. Clapping on each picture works well too.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: Build the first pattern with real objects, such as two kinds of blocks or spoons, before your child tries it on paper. Cover the choices and ask your child to say the answer first.

Harder: Ask your child to make an AB pattern with stickers or crayons on the back of the page, then try an ABB pattern like big, small, small.

Answer key

Frequently asked questions