Pre-K · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
PK.OA.2: Extend simple patterns
PK.OA.2 is a Pre-K math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The Pre-K math learning standard
Duplicate and extend (e.g., What comes next?) simple patterns using concrete objects.
In plain words
Extend simple patterns.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
A pattern goes clap, stomp, clap, stomp, clap. What comes next?
- Jump
- Stomp
- Clap
Where students can get stuck
- Adding the right objects in a random order, so red, blue, red, blue continues as blue, blue, red.
- Stopping at the end of the example after copying it, not seeing that a pattern can keep going.
- Repeating only the last object, so cat, dog, cat, dog continues as dog, dog, dog.
Effective teaching strategies
- Lay out a red, blue, red, blue pattern with paper squares and have students chant the colors in order before they add the next square.
- Ask students to extend a pattern well past the example, such as four more squares, to show that a pattern can keep going.
- Build a cat, dog, cat, dog pattern with picture cards and ask what comes next, then check by saying the whole pattern from the start, so students see the next card depends on more than the last one.
Share it with families
Families can read Spotting and continuing simple patterns for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.