Patterning Game

Patterning is a basic math-related skill. I remember when I was in kindergarten (yes, I swear I do!), the classroom had a bin of these little interlocking blocks. Each block was a different colour. We had to follow instruction sheets that displayed the blocks arranged in certain patterns, to see if we could use the blocks to recreate the patterns on the sheets.

"Oh, if only I had those blocks!" I thought recently. "Then I could do that activity with my kids!" Then my eyes happened upon our box of Mega Blocks.

If you have preschoolers in your home, chances are good that you own a box of Mega Blocks or Legos. And there you have some math manipulatives. Just draw up some patterns on a piece of scrap paper and let the kids try to figure them out.

I make the patterns using a large (8-hole) Mega Block piece, an 8.5" x 11" piece of scrap paper, and a pen or marker.

Simply use the Mega Block piece as a template and ruler to create rectangles with multiple even spaces within.

Now add the top of the Mega Block to your drawing and colour in a pattern.

You can leave them all on one big sheet of paper, or you can cut them out so that they are separate patterns on different pieces of paper. I like to cut them out:

Good luck, and have fun!

Note from Ben: If you need some mega blocks to carry out this activity with your children, you're sure to find some at a good price at any major toy or discount department store. Or you can order online from Amazon here:

MEGA BLOKS 180 PIECE SET WITH 45 PIECE BONUS PACK

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Homeschooling - Estimating Game