- Definition
ABA is like a song with three parts: the first part is a melody, the second part is a different melody, and the third part brings back the first melody, sometimes a bit shorter or longer.
A dance where you march in place, then twirl, then march in place again follows an ABA pattern.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An ABA pattern is like a sandwich: the two pieces of bread are the same (A), and the filling is something different in the middle (B).
Ask your child: Can you make a dance sandwich with your arms?
Common mix-up: Kids might think this is just any three different moves in a row. The key is that the first and last parts are the same idea, with a different idea in the middle.
Examples
- Clapping your hands, then stomping your feet, then clapping your hands again.
- Playing 'freeze dance' where you dance fast (A), freeze still (B), then dance fast again (A).
ABA is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
