Monday, January 30, 2012

Heart Patterns: A Valentine's Day Math Activity

heart patterns

R loves patterns. Truly. He delights in finding patterns! And what's more fun than patterns by themselves? STICKERS!

So today I wanted to share a pattern activity I set up for R. All you need is some foam heart stickers and paper. The beauty of this activity is that you can really customize it for your child. You can create a one layer simple pattern for a younger child to complete. Or you can make this more difficult for an older child by making a second or third layer. And that is what I did for R.

Valentine's Day patterns

I started by creating pattern strips with the construction paper. I just cut a strip of paper and divided it into the number of squares I wanted. Then I created the multi-layer hearts. I used various styles, sizes, and colors of the foam heart stickers to build my hearts. Then I arranged the first few onto the paper to establish the pattern he needed to complete.

preschool math activity

I set the pattern strips out along with a handful of the various stickers. R had to look at the pattern and create what came next using multiple layers. So not only is this fun with patterns, it's also fun with stickers! He really enjoyed this activity and I think he did a great job. After he finished completing the patterns that I made for him, he decided to make his own. This easily kept him busy for quite some time. 

And to make sure these cute little stickers didn't go to waste..

Valentine's Day bookmark


We made bookmarks! We simply punched a hole in a corner and threaded some ribbon through it. We'll be giving these out to a few family and friends that love books. 

Do your children love patterns? Stickers?

14 comments:

  1. Brilliant! A craft, a homemade gift, and a math lesson, all in one!

    Thanks for sharing with Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles =)

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  2. So cool! I really like this one and I have lots of heart stickers, lol. I also love how you re-used the finished stripes, very thoughtful!

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  3. this is so valentine-y! I love it, I especially love using foam stickers for patterns. So simple!

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  4. This is adorable! I love the math and the beauty of it! Pinning this!

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  5. I'm amazed! Where do you get your ideas?? I might just feature this too for my special valentines post, if you don't mind of course.

    I love that it's educational. Pattern power!

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  6. Thanks everyone! I appreciate your comments and I'm so glad you liked this activity.

    And I'd love for you to feature my activity, Anne. Thank you so much!

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  7. Very cute bookmarks ,and such a simple activity with so many learning opportunities!

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  8. We do love patterns! Whata pretty end product!

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  9. Great idea to incorporate the pattern learning and the heart craft!

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  10. This is just the cutest thing and SO many ideas wrapped in one activity! math, patterning and a gift! Oh and shapes! Love it!

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  11. Great pattern activity! And love that it turned into a craft, too :-) Congrats on the Top 9, Joyce!

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  12. Thanks everyone! I'm so thrilled that you liked it. I almost didn't post it. Haha. Yay for Top 9! Thanks :)

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  13. This is a great activity! I'm sharing this with a math tutor friend of mine. Thank you for the inspiration.

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