What Comes Next?

Why What Comes Next? works

Think of What Comes Next? as one small problem with several decisions and a clear starting point: read the sequence from the beginning. Predict the next item in a visible sequence by identifying the rule that generated the earlier items. What happens there should matter when the child later needs to look for a repeating or changing rule.

Set up — Read the sequence from the beginning

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to read the sequence from the beginning. Use the result of having the child read the sequence from the beginning as the setup for the move into look for a repeating or changing rule. Use age-appropriate pieces and avoid small loose parts for children who may mouth objects while that starting condition is being established.

Step 2 — Look for a repeating or changing rule

Ask the child to look for a repeating or changing rule. Compare what happens with the earlier step to read the sequence from the beginning, then continue by asking them to state the rule before answering the blank once the difference is clear.

Step 3 — State the rule before answering the blank

Let the child state the rule before answering the blank and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to predict the next item.

Step 4 — Predict the next item

One careful attempt to predict the next item is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to state the rule before answering the blank.

Step 5 — Check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue

Use the result of asking the child to check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue until this step has a clear purpose.

What to notice before Check whether the prediction would allow the rule…

Keep adult commentary light while the child works toward predict the next item. Their own response should show which clue, position, or relationship supports the answer before the activity finishes with the request to check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue.

Make State the rule before answering the blank easier or harder

For younger or less confident players, use fewer items and make the relevant difference more obvious before the step to state the rule before answering the blank. If the child asks for more, add one plausible distractor, remove one cue, or ask the child to explain the rule and then return to the final request to check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue.

Finish after Check whether the prediction would allow the rule…

Check whether the prediction would allow the rule to continue. A brief look back at the result is enough before ending the session. For another activity, use the activity search or create one with the activity generator.