Some were extremely simple repeat patterns using just 2 colours or shapes, with others being a little more complex using 3 or more colours and shapes in combination. I set them out on the floor as an Invitation to Play with the pattern cards, and also some blank cards and pens in case they wanted to design there own, to extend the learning possibilities.
At first Cakie was really thrown by the fact that there were 2 rows in the carton, and that the pattern wasn’t always identical on both. I showed her that there were 2 rows in the pictures and how they corresponded to the box below, and then she understood how to place the items inside.
When matching the shapes patterns we talked about the names of the shapes that she was finding and described a little about how they looked, using language such as “pointy corners”, “straight sides” and “flat edges” as we did so.
With the extra cards Cakie declared she was going to draw an ice cream shop, and that she did!
Extend this activity:
- draw just the first 3 shapes/ colours in the pattern and ask them to predict and complete the pattern
- can they find a new set of objects or toys from around the house to make patterns with? are there enough of each type to be able to repeat them in a pattern?
- after making patterns can they draw what they did on strips of paper?
- can they draw their own for a sibling or friend to copy?
Pop on over to Learn with Play at Home to see her incredible Egg Carton Dice Game that she is sharing today. Such a fun way to practise counting, adding and number recognition skills!
Join us both every Friday for our continuing series about Playful Maths ideas. Click the photo to see previous activities in the series. Start collecting your cardboard tubes for the next two weeks of activities too!