Draw What Comes Next Worksheets
Updated October 2026 · 5 free printables
Pattern rows where the answer has to be drawn, not circled: repeating shapes, growing patterns (one more dot, one more block, one more petal), turning shapes (an arrow that rotates a quarter turn), counting pictures (a cake with one more candle, a ladybug with one more spot) and sizes and shading.
Each row ends in a dashed box for the next picture, and the answer key on page 2 shows it in red. Drawing the answer makes kids explain the rule to themselves, which is the whole point of pattern work.
All 5 Draw What Comes Next Worksheets, One by One
Here is a closer look at every page in this collection, with who it's best for and a coloring idea for each one.
-
1. Draw What Comes Next: Shapes
Five drawing pattern rows (circle, square, triangle, triangle, circle, star, heart, circle, square, triangle and heart, diamond, diamond). Kids work out the rule of each row and draw the next picture themselves instead of circling an answer. The answer key on page 2 shows the next picture in red. It is made for pre-K and preschool, roughly ages 4 to 5, with big pictures and one number per page.
-
2. Draw What Comes Next: Growing Patterns
Five drawing pattern rows (one more dot each time, a tower one block taller, stairs with one more step, a flower with one more petal and one more ring). Kids work out the rule of each row and draw the next picture themselves instead of circling an answer. The answer key on page 2 shows the next picture in red. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
-
3. Draw What Comes Next: Counting Pictures
Five drawing pattern rows (a ladder with one more rung, a house with one more window, a caterpillar one segment longer, a cake with one more candle and a ladybug with one more spot). Kids work out the rule of each row and draw the next picture themselves instead of circling an answer. The answer key on page 2 shows the next picture in red. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
-
4. Draw What Comes Next: Turning Shapes
Five drawing pattern rows (an arrow turning a quarter turn, a half-shaded circle turning, a triangle turning, an L turning and a shaded corner moving around). Kids work out the rule of each row and draw the next picture themselves instead of circling an answer. The answer key on page 2 shows the next picture in red. It matches first grade goals, roughly ages 6 to 7.
-
5. Draw What Comes Next: Sizes and Shading
Five drawing pattern rows (filled, empty, big, small, filled, empty, empty, a shape with one more side and one more stripe). Kids work out the rule of each row and draw the next picture themselves instead of circling an answer. The answer key on page 2 shows the next picture in red. First graders can do it on their own once they know the strategy at the top of the page.
Tips for coloring Draw What Comes Next Worksheets
- Read the row out loud together before drawing; the rhythm gives the rule away.
- Ask what changed between two neighbors in the row, then whether it changes the same way each time.
- Check the answer key together, then invent one more row on the back.
Fun facts about Draw What Comes Next Worksheets
- Growing patterns are the first step toward functions in algebra: each position has a rule.
- Rotating shapes in your head is called mental rotation and improves with practice.
- Pattern recognition is one of the strongest predictors of later math skills in young children.
Fun ways to use your printables
- Build the growing patterns with blocks before drawing them.
- Make a turning pattern with a toy on the table: turn it a quarter each time and draw what you see.
- Let your child make a pattern row for you with a secret rule.
How to print
Click Download PDF on any page and print it at 100% on US Letter or A4 paper. Use regular printer paper for crayons and pencils, or cardstock for markers and paint. Every page here is free for home, classroom and party use, so feel free to print as many copies as you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from the pattern worksheets in the math section?
Those are colored picture patterns to continue or cut and paste. These are line drawings with rules that go beyond repetition: growing, turning and counting patterns, and the child draws the next one.
What age are they for?
The shapes page suits ages 4 and up. Growing and counting patterns fit kindergarten; turning shapes and shading patterns are a good challenge for grade 1 and 2.
How do I help if my child is stuck?
Describe the row out loud together: circle, square, circle, square. Or ask what changed between the first and second picture, then between the second and third.
Can we play it on the whiteboard?
Yes. Draw three or four items of a pattern and ask what comes next. Then let your child invent a pattern and you continue it, sometimes wrongly on purpose.