There are many ways to teach pattern skills in preschool and kindergarten. This fun free printable Movement Patterns set is a great way for kids to get up and move as they learn about patterns and pattern units. Use these pattern cues to get your kids up and learning through movement and to teach them about patterns.
GET A FULL SET OF PATTERN ACTIVITIES IN OUR PATTERNS DIGITAL ACTIVITY BUNDLE
Setting up this activity is so easy! All you need to do is print the movement cards and cubes. You can print multiple copies depending on how many times you want to repeat the moves.
To ensure that these last a long time, I recommend laminating them.
WAYS TO PLAY THE MOVEMENT PATTERNS GAME
There are a bunch of different options for playing with these prompts. Here are just a few to help you get started!
OPTION 1: PRE-MADE PATTERN UNITS
Choose one of the premade pattern unit strips.
Display them for your children to see.
Model the movements and how this pattern unit is repeated to create a pattern.
Then, invite your students to join in the movement pattern!
OPTION 2: TEACHER CHOSEN PATTERN UNITS
Display a series of movement cards to show a pattern unit using a pocket chart or a similar display.
Model the movement pattern for your students, then have them join in when they are ready.
OPTION 3: STUDENT CREATED PATTERN UNITS
Give the movement cards to the students. Call on a few students at random to come up and put their card in the pocket chart.
Discuss the pattern unit that has been created. Then, model and repeat the pattern as a class.
You can let your kids decide how many times a movement will be done during the unit. If the child is holding the card “clap your hands,” ask them how many times and then place that many of that card in the chart to provide a visual cue.
OPTION 4: ROLL AND CREATE A PATTERN UNIT
Determine how many movements you would like to have in your pattern unit. I recommend starting with just two or three that will be easiest for students to learn when you’re just starting out.
Next, roll a movement cube once for each movement that will be in your pattern unit. Place the corresponding movement cards in your pocket chart.
You can add multiple of the same card if you want to do that movement more than once in a unit pattern.
Identify the patterns that you will be repeating together, then begin the movement pattern by modeling it for your kids.
When they’re ready, invite them to join in!
Complete the form below to get your free printable!
This 10-page free printable movement patterns set includes:
- Example pattern unit cards to use as movement prompts
- Individual movement cards that can be sequenced together to create pattern units
- Two movement cubes with different activities to roll and create pattern units
GET A FULL SET OF PATTERN ACTIVITIES IN OUR PATTERNS DIGITAL ACTIVITY BUNDLE
This 4-in-1 bundle includes four interactive, digital games to help children practice patterning skills.
All four games can be used in Google Slides.
These digital games can be used for:
- distance learning
- tablet or computer center options in the classroom
- whole group practice via a class projection device
- small group instruction with or without technology (printable pages are included)
Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Rochelle Naude
Great for pattern recognition