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Pattern Train

Each carriage carries a shape or a fruit in a repeating pattern, and the last carriage is empty. Pupils pick what comes next. Start with simple AB patterns, then try AAB, ABB and ABC. After a try that isn’t right, each repeat of the pattern is shaded so pupils can see it, and the voice reads the pattern aloud.

For EYFS–KS2. About 5 minutes. Number & thinking. Low sensory, no reading needed, works without sound.

What pupils practise

• Spot a repeating pattern
• Say what comes next and why
• Understand AB, AAB, ABB and ABC patterns

Tips for teachers

• Say the pattern aloud together: “circle, star, circle, star…”.
• Clap or tap along to the pattern.
• Make the same pattern with real objects or cubes.
• Every shape has its own colour and its own form, so colour-blind pupils can play too.

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