Type 1: Fixing
Filling in a missing item in a pattern
1 How to spot this skill being applied in free play
Talk
Behaviour
2 Check for understanding
Ask the child to fill in the missing item in a model repeating pattern (e.g., ABAB_BAB) either from a pile of potential responses and distractors or by pointing to one of several different pictures of objects.
3 Guided activities to support this skill
Type 2: Copying
Duplicating a repeating pattern by at least one unit of repeat with the same materials
1 How to spot this skill being applied in free play
Talk
Behaviour
2 Check for understanding

Ask the child to make the same pattern as a model pattern using a pile of the same blocks (e.g., red, green, yellow, red, green, yellow). Make sure the copied pattern is 6 inches below the model pattern.
3 Guided activities to support this skill
Have children re-enact pattern dances they have seen demonstrated for them (either of their own creation, from the teacher, or from youtube such as GoNoodle videos)
Type 3: Extending
Adding items to a repeating pattern by at least one unit of repeat
1 How to spot this skill being applied in free play
Talk
Behaviour
2 Check for understanding
Have the child add at least one unit’s worth of items to a model pattern, answering the question ‘can you keep my pattern going the way I would?’ or ‘what comes next in my pattern?’ (ABCABC_ _ _). See sample script/materials.
3 Guided activities to support this skill
Type 4: Abstracting
Duplicating a pattern by at least one unit of repeat using different materials
1 How to spot this skill being applied in free play
Talk
Behaviour
2 Check for understanding
Have the child generate at least one unit’s worth of a model pattern with different materials. Make sure the abstracted pattern is 6 inches below the model pattern.
AABBAABB
CCDDCCDD
See research-based measure with material descriptions here.
3 Guided activities to support this skill
By Dr Erica Zippert