What Comes Next Worksheets

Simple sequences for growing learners

This set begins with clear picture sequences for younger children and moves towards patterns that need closer attention. Children may complete a line of familiar objects, continue a colour sequence, choose the next shape or mark the missing item. The pages suit Nursery, LKG, UKG and early primary learners when used with the right level of support. Children who need more practice with repeating patterns can also try Pattern Worksheets or AB Pattern Worksheets.

Use them for short, focused practice

At home, begin by talking through one row before your child writes or colours anything. Ask, "What do you notice?" and let your child point to the part that repeats. In class, place a few printed rows at a small-group table and have children explain their choices to a partner. You can use the pages after a maths lesson, during quiet work, or as a quick review. For children who are still learning pencil control, let them point, circle or place a small object on the answer first.

Help children notice the rule

A common mistake is to focus on the last picture instead of looking at the whole sequence. A child may choose a red shape because the last item is red, even when the real rule is red, blue, red, blue. Cover the final space and read the row from the beginning with your child. Encourage them to say the pattern aloud, such as "circle, square, circle, square". If the rule is unclear, use real objects first, then return to the worksheet. Give one clue at a time rather than supplying the answer.