Unit Plan 27 (PreK Math): Pattern Review & Creation

Focus: Review and invent repeating patterns using AB/ABC structures with colors, shapes, movements, and sounds; connect patterns to sorting by attributes.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations & Algebraic Thinking—Early Patterns)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children revisit AB and ABC patterns and then create their own using classroom materials and body motions. They copy, extend, and describe the unit of repeat, linking patterns to sorting (by color/shape/size) to choose what comes next.

Essential Questions

• What is the unit of repeat in a pattern, and how do I show it?
• How can I copy, extend, and create an AB or ABC pattern using different attributes?
• How does sorting help me build and explain a pattern?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify the unit of repeat in AB and ABC patterns.
2. Copy and extend teacher-made patterns with a variety of materials and modalities (objects, motions, sounds).
3. Create original patterns and explain what comes next and why.
4. Sort items by one attribute to prepare materials for patterning and name the sorting rule.
5. Describe patterns using simple language (e.g., “red–blue–red–blue is A–B.”).

Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten

• PK.OA.6 — Pattern play (copy, extend, create). Description: Works with AB/ABC patterns using colors/shapes/sounds. Example: Claps “tap–tap–clap, tap–tap–clap.” Aligns to: Supports K.MD.3 & K.G practices (pattern sense).
• PK.MD.3 — Sort & classify into categories. Description: Sorts by one attribute (color/shape/size); counts how many in each. Example: “We have 5 red bears and 3 blue bears.” Aligns to: K.MD.3 (direct).
• Mathematical Practices: MP.1–MP.6 threaded (perseverance; modeling/tools; precision; structure/regularity).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show the unit of repeat and tell what comes next.
• I can copy, extend, and create an AB or ABC pattern.
• I can sort by one attribute to get ready for making patterns.