What comes next in a pattern
Spotting a rule and using it to predict what comes next is a way of thinking your child will rely on all through math. Repeating patterns lead to counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s; to noticing that the numbers in the 20s, 30s, and 40s repeat 1 to 9; and later to number patterns like 3, 6, 9, 12 in multiplication. The same habit helps with reading, music, and everyday routines.
In this video, your child will learn to find what comes next in a pattern.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
What comes next?
Example 2
What comes next?
Your child's turn
What comes next?
The three key steps
- 1Say the pattern out loud.
- 2Find the part that repeats.
- 3Say what comes next.
Mistakes to listen for
- 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.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to spotting and continuing simple patterns →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More Pre-K Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice spotting and continuing simple patterns, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to spotting and continuing simple patterns has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice spotting and continuing simple patterns
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on spotting and continuing simple patterns and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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