What Comes Next? (Thanksgiving Patterns)
Four rows of watercolor Thanksgiving patterns with leaves, acorns, turkeys, pumpkins, corn and pumpkin pie. Each row ends with an empty box, and children circle the right picture from two choices. The patterns get a little harder as you go: two AB patterns, then AAB and ABB.
How to use this worksheet
- Say the pictures in the first row out loud together.
- Decide what comes next and circle it in the box on the right.
- Draw or color the answer in the empty box if you like, then do every row.
What your child practices
Spotting a repeating pattern and predicting the next part. Patterns are an early algebra skill: children learn that things follow a rule, which later helps with counting by twos, number patterns and reading. The two answer choices are swapped from row to row, so children have to think instead of always picking the same side.
Who it is for
Made for Pre-K children around four to five. Rows 1 and 2 use simple AB patterns; rows 3 and 4 (corn, corn, pie and pie, acorn, acorn) are a step up for children who find AB easy.
Keep the pattern going
Make patterns at the table with real things: spoon, fork, spoon, fork, or two clapping beats and a stomp. Let your child copy your pattern, then invent one for you to finish. Answers: leaf, turkey, corn, acorn.
