An important part of our S.T.E.M. curriculum at CEFA Early Learning schools is working with patterns. Understanding patterns is a foundational math skill. You can learn the importance of patterns in this article, or you can just dive straight to the fun part, which is this patterning game.

Best Ages for This Activity

Four to five

How to Make It

You Will Need

Optional

Let’s Get Started

Version One:

  • Print two copies of the game on cardstock paper
  • Keep one copy as is, and cut the popsicles (each square) of the second copy, like this:

  • Invite your child to complete the patterns on the sheet, using the little popsicles you cut. If your child has difficulty, you can help by asking them to tell you what they see, then what comes next, and what comes next, etc. until they understand the pattern. If the pattern is too difficult for your child to understand, simply use the cut-out single popsicles to make your own patterns first, then offer the game the following week, after having practiced various patterns with the cut-out single popsicles.

Version Two:

  • Print two copies of the game on cardstock paper
  • Laminate both copies
  • Once they are laminated, keep one copy as is, and cut the popsicles (each square) of the second copy, like this:

  • Tape the full sheet onto the cookie sheet
  • Glue a small magnet behind each of the single popsicles
  • Now your little popsicles will be attracted to the metal of the cookie sheet, and will stay in place when your child puts them in the empty squares to complete the pattern!
  • You can also attach the cookie tray to the wall (we use removeable velcro strips at the schools) at your child’s height, so your child can have an activity to do on one of their walls – we call them “wall games” at our CEFA Early Learning schools, and children love to spend hours working on a game, perhaps because it is presented differently.
  • Invite your child to complete the patterns on the sheet, using the little popsicles you cut. If your child has difficulty, you can help by asking them to tell you what they see, then what comes next, and what comes next, etc. until they understand the pattern. If the pattern is too difficult for your child to understand, simply use the cut-out single popsicles to make your own patterns first, then offer the game the following week, after having practiced various patterns with the cut-out single popsicles.

Learning Opportunities

Children will learn S.T.E.M., especially in the area of mathematics. In this game, the greatest learning opportunities are in reasoning, comparison and prediction. As always, the use of mathematical vocabulary greatly enriches these activities.

This activity also encourages your child to focus and stay on one task (increases attention span) which contributes to your child’s social and emotional development.

Things to Keep in Mind

Although patterning can be a great activity for your child to do alone (once the concept is clear), make sure you always supervise, as it can be a choking hazard. Plus, at this age, children must always be supervised.

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