Learning to recognize sequences and patterns is an important part of beginning math skills. Even the simplest form of patterning can help a child learn and develop the skills they will need to master math concepts like times tables and addition. There are many ways to help your preschooler develop these skills without spending a lot of money. One of mine and my son’s favorite ways to practice learning sequences and patterns is with a simple repurposed Egg Carton. An egg carton, along with flashcards I made with colored markers, and some various items can be made into an easy DIY Egg Carton Patterning Activity for your preschooler.
Related: Teaching Your Child to Count to 10 in Spanish
You can find the items you’ll need for this DIY Egg Carton Patterning Activity below. To help your preschooler identify different sequences and patterns, use a variety of items from pom-poms and counting bears to shapes and letters or numbers. Most of these extra items I found at either the dollar store or the dollar spot at Target. If you’re willing to spend a little more or you’re strapped for time, Amazon is another great place for learning resources. I’ll link them at the bottom of the post along with my son’s adorable Mickey desk.
I also cut flashcards in half and created my own sequence and pattern strips for most of these practices.
DIY Egg Carton Patterning Activity Materials Needed:
- Egg Carton
- Counting Bears
- Compare Bears Pattern & Sequencing Cards
- Mathlink Cubes
- Pattern Blocks (shapes)
- Pom-Poms
- Index Cards
- Markers
Related: Fizzing Rainbow Baking Soda Experiment
When practicing sequences and patterns, I give my son a strip for each row until he fills up the entire egg carton.
You can also practice creating sequences and patterns by stringing beads or colored cereal—fruity Cheerios work great! You can also use legos, blocks, and stickers to practice patterning. One of my son’s favorite outdoor activities that encourage pattern recognition is hopscotch, which also wears him out real quick—a double win for mom!
Have Fun!
Related: DIY Rock & Gem Mining Activity
What kind of ways do you practice recognizing sequences and patterns with your preschooler? Share in the comments below.
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Hi! I’m Meagan and I’m a 41 year old mom of a high energy almost 9 year old, happily navigating my way through the little boy years. I’ve been married for 14 years. I met my husband over 20 years ago in high school; we got married 10 years later after graduating from the University of South Florida. I currently help run a family business with my parents while blogging about my life and love of DIY projects!
When I’m not at a kids sports game, I enjoy spending time with my family on a beach anywhere. I also love decorating and organizing, fun DIY projects, bargain shopping, and eating out or in! I also love Barbecue anything and a good show or movie on Netflix.
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