Invite beginning math play with a colorful dot patterns math activity for preschoolers. Kids learn to recognize, copy and repeat patterns with hands-on play like this patterning activity.
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Round out your early math play with this colorful dot patterns math activity for preschoolers. In this activity, kids create – and match – patterns with colorful dot stickers on small disposable cups.
Kids are exposed to patterns in their environments daily – in the red and blue stripes on a t-shirt, or the lyrics in The Wheels on the Bus. As children begin to recognize patterns, they learn to predict what color, shape, letter, word, or number comes next in a sequence.
This cups and dots patterning activity is a great addition to your toolkit for early math play. The activity provides an opportunity to exercise cognitive skills such as thinking and reasoning and memory.
Patterning activity for preschoolers
Materials list
- small paper or plastic cups
- colorful dot stickers
- measuring tape or ruler
- game board.
For the game board, I used a wooden slat from a window blind. This provided a long platform on which to lay out a design with stickers. You could also use a long piece of narrow cardboard.
Use a ruler or measuring tape to space the stickers evenly.
How to play
1. Create a pattern with sticker dots on the game board.
Begin with simple patterns for younger children:
blue – yellow – blue – yellow – blue – what comes next?
Kids can follow a sequence you make, or create their own patterns.
Add another color as the skill level increases.
2. Place stickers on cups.
Match the cups to the pattern on the game board. Cover the dot on the board with the cup.
Learning through play
1. Kids can take turns in small group play choosing the next color in the pattern.
2. Encourage kids to name the colors as they are covered by a cup.
3. Extend the play by sorting, counting and stacking cups according to the colored dots.
Related: Hands-on Sequencing Activities for Preschoolers from Homeschool Preschool
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