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Patterns
Vehicle Pattern Sequences
Vehicle Patterns
Look at four vehicle patterns and find what comes next. A playful way to recognize and continue AB patterns.
- Age 3
- 10 min
- Easy
- Any group size
- Patterns
Learning areas
Skills practised
About this activity
Children look at two vehicles that alternate in each row and draw the vehicle that comes next.
Naming and comparing the pictures helps children begin to notice patterns. At age 3, they may need help saying the sequence and showing their idea on paper.
Learning objectives
- Notice two vehicles alternating in a sequence.
- Identify which vehicle comes next in an AB pattern.
- Show a choice with a drawing, a mark, or words.
The printable
Print
What you need
- Printed activity sheet
- Thick crayon
Safety notes
Supervise crayon use and keep crayons out of reach of children who still put objects in their mouths.
How to do it
- Place the sheet and crayon within the child's reach.
- Look at the vehicles in the first row together and name each one.
- Point to the pictures and say their names in order.
- Ask which vehicle comes next and model a simple drawing in the empty space.
- Invite the child to complete the other rows, one at a time.
- Say the sequences together again and celebrate the child's efforts.
Teaching suggestions
- Say slowly, “Car, bus, car, bus...” and pause for the child to continue.
- If the page feels tricky, cover the other rows and look at one at a time.
- Accept a mark, a simple drawing, or a spoken answer. You can draw the child's choice for them.
- Talk about vehicles the child has seen in the neighborhood or in books.
Variations
Easier
Point to the first two vehicles again and offer a choice: “Does the car or the bus come next?”
More challenging
Ask the child to name the next two vehicles before drawing.
Extend the play
Make a pattern together by alternating two movements, such as clapping and touching your knees.
Talk about it
- What do you notice about the vehicles in this row?
- How did you figure out what comes next?
- Which of these vehicles have you seen?
- What vehicle pattern would you like to make?
What to look for
- Notice whether the child identifies the two vehicles that repeat.
- Observe whether the child indicates the next vehicle in one or more rows, with or without support.
- Notice whether the child shows or talks about their choice.
Scavenger hunt
I spy and count