How can I use pattern boards to teach patterns to my preschooler?
Pattern boards are really common in preschool packs and when used correctly they are great pattern activities for preschool. However, if you’re anything like me, you probably had no idea how to use them the first time you saw them. Never fear, today I will show you three simple ways to use pattern boards and you will see that teaching kids about patterns is easy. If you are unfamiliar with pattern boards, here’s what they look like.
You can find pattern boards all over the internet in a bunch of different preschool packs. They are not always called “pattern boards” and sometimes they don’t have the pattern strips, but they are still all basically the same thing. You can print off the free pattern boards I made for this post, or check out the ones below:
- Snow Learning Pack pg. 9 from 3 Dinosaurs
- My Little Pony Printables pg. 18 from 1+1+1=1 (this page is technically for a counting activity, but the pictures can also be used on pattern boards)
- Pizza Preschool Pack pg. 24 from 123 Homeschool 4 Me
- Truck Patterns pg. 4-5 or 6-10 from The Measured Mom
- Little Red Hen Pack pg. 9 from 3 Dinosaurs
3 Ways to Use Pattern Boards
1 – Cut and Paste
First cut out the pattern strips. You can leave them short with only 6 boxes or you can tape two strips together and make an extra long pattern strip with 12 boxes. I personally like the long strips the best. Next, cut out the pictures or have your child cut them out. Glue them in a pattern on the pattern strip.
2 – Laminate for Repeated Use
Begin by laminating the pattern strips and pictures. If you want, add Velcro dots to the pictures and the pattern strip so the pictures can stick to the pattern strip. Then, just put the pictures onto the pattern strips in a pattern. This method is great for when you want to use the same pattern strips and pictures over and over. It’s also a great quiet activity for church or waiting rooms when you don’t want to take scissors and glue along.
3 – Seasonal Stickers and Candy
This is how we used some pattern strips last week. Go here to read the full post, but basically just use seasonal stickers or candy to make patterns on the pattern strip.
Now you have 3 fun ways to use pattern boards. Were you as confused as I was the first time you saw pattern boards? Please tell me I’m not the only one. ;)
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No Time for Flashcards, Train Up a Child, Teach Beside Me, 1+1+1=1, Living Montessori Now, In Lieu of Preschool, ABC & 123, Sun Scholars, All Our Days, Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails, Homeschool Creations, 123 Homeschool 4 Me, Teaching Mama.