Most children enjoy using materials such as cubes to continue many repeats of a pattern. How a pattern is extended can be introduced to the whole class in several ways. You may want to try a simple ABAB pattern such as boy, girl, boy, girl, or sit, stand, sit, stand. Once the children have grasped the concept, you can begin to have them work in groups or even individually to identify and extend patterns using manipulatives or materials you have gathered. Here are two suggestions to prepare materials for children to use.
Children then study and extend the pattern, using the same material.
Second, prepare pattern strips by drawing two or three complete repetitions of a pattern showing the identical materials that the children will be using. The children, using those, copy and extend the pattern as far as they would like. As with any other new concept, allow plenty of time for discussion of how children went about the task, and any problems they may have encountered. As children progress, encourage them to make and extend their own patterns. Children are naturally inquisitive and are good observers, if encouraged and given the opportunity.