Natural Repeating Patterns

Description

Support children in developing their early mathematical thinking with this engaging repeating patterns activity for EYFS. Designed to support the skill of ‘continue, copy and create repeating patterns’, this resource is ideal for use in outdoor provision and can be easily combined with natural objects and loose parts.

Simply laminate and cut out the pattern cards before providing children with a selection of natural materials such as leaves, sticks, stones, pine cones, flowers or other suitable outdoor objects. Encourage children to carefully look at each pattern card, identify the repeating sequence and use the natural objects to copy and continue the pattern.

Once children are confident copying and continuing the patterns, challenge them to create their own repeating patterns using the materials available to them. This provides opportunities for children to explore different combinations, talk about patterns and explain the rules they have created.

This EYFS pattern activity is a practical, hands-on way to develop early maths skills through outdoor learning and play. It can be used during continuous provision, outdoor maths activities, small-group work or as an independent challenge.

Skills supported include:

Copying repeating patterns
Continuing repeating patterns
Creating their own patterns
Recognising sequences and repetition
Developing early mathematical thinking
Sorting and matching
Problem-solving
Using natural objects and loose parts
Explaining patterns and sequences

The activity is particularly useful for EYFS children developing their understanding of repeating patterns and provides a fun way to connect mathematical learning with the natural environment.

Can the children copy the patterns, continue the sequences and then create patterns of their own?