THINK - MATH
Patterning
Sorting and labeling help toddlers begin to explore patterns in their world
At A Glance
For many young children, patterning begins with sorting in simple ways. For example, a child sorts by color when they put blue and red blocks into different piles. Sorting helps children recognize, add onto, and, later, create patterns. We can support toddlers’ patterning skills by encouraging them to sort objects, labeling patterns around us, and prompting children to add onto patterns.
What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can help toddlers develop patterning skills
Start by Sorting
Sorting is an important first step in identifying or creating patterns. Encourage children to sort and classify objects like this educator does with the colored bears.
Encourage Comparing
Encourage children to compare objects by different attributes, such as size or color. As children sort, you can draw attention to the way objects are similar or different (e.g. “I notice the cotton balls in this group are all big and these are small.”)
Support Classification
SUPPORTING MATH SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
A Pair of Socks
SUPPORTING MATH SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Pattern Fish
Activity Cards for Toddler Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support children's patterning skills
Clean Up Hunt!
Get creative while cleaning up as children hunt for objects based on different characteristics.
Pattern Games
Make a game out of exploring patterns using movements, food, materials, or clothes.
Pattern Movements
Move your body to make patterns and encourage children to follow along.
Steady Beat Patterns
Make a beat pattern while listening to music with children.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills