- Author:
- Utah Lesson Plans
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Science
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab, Game, Lesson, Lesson Plan
- Level:
- Preschool
- Tags:
- License:
- Creative Commons Attribution
- Language:
- English
- Media Formats:
- Text/HTML
Preschool Curriculum Tag
Play with Patterns
Overview
Have items ready to complete and extend patterns. You can use blocks, poker chips, candy, cards created for holidays, etc. Hand the materials to your child(ren) and ask them to sort them by likeness. Ask them to create, duplicate, complete, and/or extend a pattern.
For example, you can hand them a handful of colored goldfish crackers or colored cereal rings. Once they are sorted, count how many you have of each color. Ask them to select at least 2 colors to make patterns with. Allow them to create more complex patterns as they are ready.
Summary
Have items ready to complete and extend patterns. You can use blocks, poker chips, candy, cards created for holidays, etc. Hand the materials to your child(ren) and ask them to sort them by likeness. Ask them to create, duplicate, complete, and/or extend a pattern.
For example, you can hand them a handful of colored goldfish crackers or colored cereal rings. Once they are sorted, count how many you have of each color. Ask them to select at least 2 colors to make patterns with. Allow them to create more complex patterns as they are ready.
Materials
You can use multiple items to create patterns. Patterning Activities for Preschool has some ideas. Below is an example of creating patterns:
- Colored Goldfish crackers
- A rectangular strip may help when creating the pattern. You may want to add lines or boxes as needed.
Background for Teachers/Parents
Know the levels of your child(ren). This can determine the variety of items to sort, how many things to use for patterning, and the complexity of the pattern intended for children to create. A pattern of red, blue, red, blue is less complex then red, yellow, green, green.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Children will identify and duplicate a pattern.
Time Frame & Group Size
Time Frame:15 minutes
Group Size: Individual or group
Standards
Main Standards:
- Math 3 & 5 yr.2.5
- Math 3 & 4 yr.1.1
- Sci 3-4 yr.4.1
Additional Core Standards:
- FA 3 & 4 yr.4.2
- Math 3 & 4yr.4.1
- Math 3 & 4 yr.3.3
Author(s)
Jamie Robinson