Colorful construction paper cut into hearts, squares, and triangles.

Pattern Power

Practice creating and replicating patterns—an important math skill—with this simple activity.

  • Easy
  • Not Messy
  • 30 Minutes
  • Indoor or Outdoor

You Will Need

  • Colored paper

  • Scissors

  • Pencil or marker

Directions

  1. Cut a variety of shapes in different colors from the paper.
  2. Put the shapes in a pattern and provide your child with the same shapes.
  3. Ask your child to replicate the pattern you provided with the shapes they have in their pile.

Experiment Extensions

  • Instead of cutting out your own shapes you can use household items such as small toys, fruit, button (or anything else you can think of).
  • Switch the process and have your child create patterns for you to replicate, and have them check your work!

How it works

Replicating a given pattern is one of the best ways to enhance logical reasoning ability at a young age. It allows children to observe, analyze and experiment. They will use these skills multiple times in their lives, and not just in math and science classes!