A returning icon in a different position
ABCB shares ABAC's core idea — one icon returns while others appear only once — but places the returning icon (B) in the second and fourth positions instead of the first and third. That shift matters: a child has to check where in the unit the repeat actually falls, not just that a repeat exists somewhere.
Comparing this directly against ABAC
Working through ABAC and ABCB side by side, and asking "which position does the repeat happen in — first, or second?" for each, builds the specific habit of checking a pattern's exact structure rather than recognizing only its general "something repeats" shape. Both patterns feel similar at a glance, which makes this direct comparison especially useful.
Where this leads
The same framing idea — one icon reappearing to bookend or punctuate a sequence — reappears in ABCBA, which extends this pattern's B-in-the-middle-and-end idea into a fully mirrored five-icon unit.
Every numbered worksheet uses a fresh set of icons testing this identical structure.
Using this worksheet effectively
Introducing this pattern shortly after ABAC, specifically as a comparison, helps a child build precision about exact position rather than a vague sense that patterns just repeat somewhere. Every worksheet downloads as a free, print-ready PDF with no account required.