Here’s a quick and simple math activity we did recently: Patterning with Counting Blocks.
We used foam counting blocks from the Dollar spot at Target {they’re pretty cool, I wish I had bought several packages}, but you could use LEGO bricks, wooden blocks, or any other colorful blocks you have. You could simplify the activity even more and use post-it notes, or you could cut out squares from different colors of construction paper.
(E was 4 years and 7 months old.)
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Materials for Patterning with Counting Blocks
- Counting blocks (or any other kind of blocks). {These look like the kind we have.}
- Tray or cookie sheet to work on.
As soon as E saw the package of counting blocks, she got really excited. I quite like them myself – such great colors, and so many possibilities!
She got a cookie sheet, and we set up on the patio.
As a first step, she dumped out all the blocks and started exploring them a little.
We started talking about patterns, and she arranged the green and blue blocks in a simple AB pattern.
An AAB pattern came next.
And then she tried something really complicated – and it wasn’t easy!
But she caught the mistake, and together we made sure to find the correct color. Fixed!
When E was done with patterns, she played around with the blocks some more and tried to make a tower with ALL the blocks. She almost succeeded 🙂
Such a simple, colorful way to add some math to our day!
We haven’t done much with patterns, but here’s a printable on the topic that I made a while back: Farm Animal Patterns Printable. You can use the simple patterns I included or make your own.
For more hands-on math, check out these activities:
For more math activities with counting blocks, check out this post from Primary Junction!
Is your child working on patterns? What’s your favorite fun patterning activity? Tell me all about it in the comments!
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