Decorating the mittens with preschool winter patterns came in with a strategy and out with creative freedom. Allow me to explain. – My idea for this preschool winter activity was to make matching mitten pairs. But…like most days with young children, things didn’t go as planned. Here’s how my idea to practice patterns morphed into his, and it still came out as a win.
RELATED: Preschool activities should be hands-on so children can learn through play.
How my preschooler changed this activity
My idea was to make a mitten and have my four-year-old make a matching pair following the pattern I created.
His idea was to design new patterns.
I can meet him where he is and watch the activity evolve in a different direction than planned. The key is the conversation that comes along for the ride. (as I sip my HOT tea, of course) New here? We call these Breakfast Invitations.
Kickstart your morning routine with play.
PDF Startup Guide – A road map for executing mornings anchored in play, discovery, and learning.
PDF Activity Cards Set One and Two – Breakfast Invitations are play-based, hands-on, and designed with an intentional introduction to learning through play.
What happened as my preschooler worked
As my preschooler worked, we chatted. I want to keep the environment playful, take more risks, and extend learning through play. As he begins to create his pattern, we chat.
As he designs his mittens, we casually discuss his actions and thinking as he plays.
I listen to his comments as he works and ask open-ended questions to prompt more thinking. Open-ended questions are questions that have more than a yes or no answer. We discuss this in our startup guide to encourage conversation with toddlers and preschoolers.
RELATED: This activity also improves fine motor skills.
Things I say to my preschooler
- Tell me about your pattern.
- Is it the same as the other mitten?
- How are the two mittens different?
I can guide the conversation to revisit still the idea of matching pairs.
If your child enjoys making matching pairs, you must check out Sticker Pairs, Pom Pom Matching, and Gingerbread Holiday Match-Up to continue expanding on the skill.
Truthfully, we have a thing for all the stickers stuffed in our junk drawer. Here are 12 sticker activities for kids they’ll enjoy!
Supplies
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White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple to many of our play activities!
Washable Markers
Do your markers need a refresh? This is a great pack of bright and cheery markers.
Dot Stickers
Keep these stickers handy. I will help you put them to good use with many other activities on my site.
Setting up preschool winter patterns
- Tape down the white paper.
- Trace a few pairs of mittens on your paper. I like to put each mitten pair in a section to organize the playspace.
- Make a pattern in the mitten on the left.
- Place the dot stickers to the left of the activity.
PRO TIP: If your child is not ready to follow a pattern, outline the color pattern on the mitten to the right or keep it free choice.
You are now ready to have your preschooler decorate the mittens! It makes a great winter activity for kids when we can’t get outside as much as we’d like to.
How do you explain patterns to preschoolers?
Patterns are found all around us and can be enjoyable to teach. Look at your child’s shirt or a striped pair of socks to begin discussing patterns.
Patterns follow a repeated sequence. The most basic sequences for young children to follow repeat every other. We call this an ABAB pattern. An example of an ABAB pattern would be red, green, red, and green. Patterns are a significant math activity that sets kids up for future math skills they will learn in grade school.
It is important to introduce patterns using this AB pattern sequence. Once this pattern sequence is mastered, try mixing it up!
- ABC
- AABB
- AAB
- ABB
RELATED: Keeping kid activities at home simple and fun is the key to learning!
What I notice over time
Your child may enjoy making matching pairs of mittens.
It is all trial and error, and we learn so much about how our child thinks with these simple ideas. If your days feel like a constant negotiation, these three tips for a smoother morning with kids will help.
Indoor activities for kids should include decision-making, creative freedom, and movement!
FAQ
Like most skills, children learn patterns at various ages and stages. Introduce patterns as you put snacks in a bowl, such as blueberry, grape, blueberry, grape, or chat about the patterns you see on a shirt. Over time, your child will become more familiar with how patterns repeat.
AB patterns repeat two things. Teach AB patterns by showing the pattern with objects and saying the repeated pattern out loud. For example, if I have blue and purple objects, I would say, blue, purple, blue, purple, etc. Next, I would encourage my child to join me. (most likely, they will do so without being asked)
Use stickers, counting bears, coins, colored paper clips, mini erasers, or colored chips from a board game.
