Patterning books and videos are great tools to teach children the basic concept of how repeating sets of objects creates a pattern.
Patterning Books and Videos That Teach Kids Math
Patterns are everywhere, including in the classroom and at home. When it’s time for children to learn about patterns, using patterning books and videos is a great way to help them learn. The following will make learning patterns fun and memorable for young children.
Teach Patterning with Children’s Books
Reach for a book the next time you are teaching children all about patterns. When looking for the right one, it’s important to find books that have vivid and eye-catching illustrations, as well as interesting text. This list of patterning books for children is perfect for the task, including books that have hidden patterns, patterns in nature, and more pattern fun.
1. My First Book of Patterns
When it comes to teaching pattern concepts, this board book is a great way to start. In this book, kids will see how different shapes repeated can make a pattern, such as stripes, chevrons, polka dots and more! After reading this book, kids can be encouraged to spot patterns around the room. This is a great way to ensure that they understand the concept.
2. Beep Beep, Vroom Vroom!
Who knew that patterns could be taught by playing with cars! In this book, the main character, Molly, plays with her brother’s toys. Readers will quickly see different patterns as she plays with different colors of cars, as well as different types. After seeing different patterns emerge during play, children will be excited to create their very own patterns using different objects and toys.
3. A-B-A-B-A — A Book of Pattern Play
There are so many fun ways to make shapes! In this book of pattern play, kids will discover some of the most common (and fun) ways to make patterns. This includes making patterns with alternating shapes, colors, and more! The author, Brian P. Cleary, writes this book using rhyming lines, making it an easy read for kids.
4. Pattern Fish
What better way to teach children about patterns than with colorful and fun fish! These pattern fish will swim across the page as they create different patterns, such as patterns made by color, type, shape and more. Each page has hidden patterns in the illustrations as well, challenging children to find all of the patterns in the book.
5. Teddy Bear Patterns
Blue, yellow, yellow, blue, yellow, yellow … This is just one example of an A-B-B pattern that can be found in this book. Kids will enjoy using teddy bears to create patterns, starting by using two colors. They’ll quickly progress to using three or more colors as they become more and more familiar with patterns.
6. Busy Bugs: A Book About Patterns
In this level 2 book, readers will discover how the ants can make patterns with flowers. First, the ants create patterns by grouping the flowers. Then, they start making patterns by alternating colors! Children will delight in discovering all of the different ways that they can make patterns! This book can be read aloud to kids, or if they’re proficient readers, they can read to themselves.
7. Pattern Bugs
Understanding patterning is a math skill that children need to learn, but it’s also a skill that will come in handy in different subjects! Patterns are all around, including in nature. Children will learn all about this concept in Pattern Bugs, a book that was written by an educator! The author includes a pattern hunt in the book, which will make it a favorite for kids of any age.
8. The M&M’s Brand Color Pattern Book
One of the best things about learning patterns is actually making patterns! Although toys or other items can be used to create patterns, children will learn that they can also use a tasty treat! In this book, children will see how they can use M&M’s to create different patterns, from something simple like an A-B-A-B pattern, to something more complex!
9. Lots and Lots of Zebra Stripes
Did you know that there are patterns in nature? It’s amazing how this happens! In this book, children will learn how animals, plants and even water can have a pattern. After reading Lots and Lots of Zebra Stripes, children will be excited to search for patterns at home or at school, exploring outside to find as many patterns as they can.
10. I See a Pattern Here
When children look at a beehive or the bottoms of their shoes, do they see patterns? If they don’t before this book, they definitely will after this book! This book shows children how patterns can be found in every day objects, including their own shoes or dinner plates! They’ll be amazed at how many objects actually have patterns, both at home and in the classroom.
Patterning Videos for Children
Videos are an interactive way for children to learn many different skills, including patterns! This list of patterning videos includes everything, from simple videos that teach only simple patterns, to more complex ones that encourage children to move. One video even encourages children to get up and exercise to a specific pattern!
1. Patterns for Kids
This interactive video will encourage children participate as they learn about simple patterns. It uses apples and bananas to create an ABB pattern, encouraging children to help them finish the pattern after repeating it a few times. The video is quick and simple, making it a great teaching tool for children just starting to learn about patterns.
2. ABAB Pattern with Shapes and Colors
When first learning patterns, it’s important to start with simple patterns. Using simple patterns will help children more easily understand the concept so that they feel successful. This video teaches the ABAB pattern, one of the most basic patterns that kids should learn. It uses different shapes and colors to create this pattern, which will give children plenty of ways to practice patterning.
3. The Patterns Practice Song
It’s time to practice patterns … using SONG! Whether using colors, numbers, shapes or any other object, children will quickly learn how to tell what’s next in a pattern. This video uses fun cartoons and catchy tunes to teach patterning to children. Since children are asked how to complete the pattern, it’s a fun and interactive video that they’ll love.
4. Learn Patterns with Shapes, Colors, Numbers and Letters
Songs are great for teaching important skills to children. This song has a catchy tune that will help children quickly catch on to the concept of patterning. In it, they will get the chance to practice different patterns, using color dots, numbers, shapes and even letters. They will practice simple patterns, as well as more complex patterns, all with easy to understand visuals.
5. Pump Up the Pattern
Learning is more memorable when kids are having fun and moving around. That’s why this video is so fantastic for teaching kids patterning. In this video, children will practice creating patterns using exercise moves! Starting with a simple AB pattern, kids will need to use their arms and legs to move to the beat. New patterns are introduced as the video progresses, giving children the opportunity to learn more complex patterns!
Patterning Classroom Resources
Help your students learn and build patterning skills with comprehensive, hands-on, and fun resources. Click any of the links below to purchase a resource for your classroom.
Patterning & Sorting for Kindergarten
FREE Pattern Hat Activity
Kids will love creating their own pattern on a hat they can wear! Grab your free copy of the pattern hat craftivity by clicking the image below.
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