Patterns, explained.

Getting started

Is Their First Patterns free?

Yes. All three theater companies and all three activity types are included. There are no ads, subscriptions, in-app purchases, or paid unlocks.

What ages and devices is it for?

It is designed for children around ages 3–5 who are beginning to notice repeated order. The app is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store and for Android on Google Play. Check the store listing for current device requirements.

Can my child play without Wi-Fi?

Yes. The child-facing activities, performers, and sounds are in the installed app. An internet connection is needed only if an adult deliberately opens a website, email app, or store listing from the grown-up area.

Playing a round

How does my child begin?

On the Home theater screen, tap one of the three rows of performers: The Toy Cabinet, The Penny Menagerie, or The Understudies. The selected company briefly performs, then a pattern activity begins. Every company can play the same types of rounds.

What are Copy, Finish, and Fill?

In Copy, your child builds the visible pattern again. In Finish, they choose the next performer after an established sequence. In Fill, they find the performer missing from inside a sequence. The reference pattern stays visible above the stage. See the three real app screens, or try the screen-or-print pattern activity together.

Does my child need to read, count, or hear the sound?

No. The task is visual: look at the order of the performers and tap or drag one into the open place. Reading and counting are not required, and sound can be turned off without removing a clue needed to solve the pattern.

What if my child chooses the wrong performer?

There is no score penalty, timer, or error buzzer. The model remains visible, and a choice can gently pulse after a pause. A completed line performs in order; occasionally the whole company closes with a curtain call.

Can we leave and come back?

The Home button returns to the theater. The app keeps the current activity and play progress on the device so play can continue later. There is no account or online copy of that progress.

Grown-up controls and privacy

Where are sound and reset controls?

On the Home screen, hold the plaque labeled “Parents: Hold 2s to Learn More” for two seconds. The grown-up area has a Sound switch and Reset App Data. Resetting, after confirmation, removes the current activity and child progress from the device; the Sound preference stays as set.

Does the app collect information about my child?

The app has no child account, analytics, ad identifiers, or cloud copy of play data. Progress and preferences are stored locally. If an adult chooses to email support, they decide what to send. Read the Patterns Privacy Policy for details.

Where can I get help?

Visit Patterns support or email support@theirfirstwords.org. Include your device and app version if relevant, but please leave out your child’s personal information.