Your preschooler will love this St. Patrick’s Day math activity. Find your way to the Leprechaun’s gold with a giant pattern practice game!
It’s two days before payday and the last pack of blueberries is staring straight at us.
“Moooommm, I’m hungry for a snack. I waaaaannt the blueberries.”
“I want the blueberries!” My two-year-old chimes in.
Okay, here we go. Half pack left. Two boys. Almost payday. Let’s make this work.
“Blueberry for Grey, Blueberry for Hayes, Blueberry for Grey, Blueberry for Hayes…” I actually say this aloud as they watch (attentively, of course) to make sure I do not accidentally skip a bowl.
Mom survival technique? Sure.
Is my two-year-old learning patterns?
You bet.
You see, sometimes I nod my head, “yes! oh yes!” to the Kindergarten Common Core Standards, and other times my eyes squint in search of that essential skill that all preschoolers and Kindergartners need to understand.
PATTERNS.
Patterns are the foundation for reading, writing, and math.
The good news is that there are so many simple ways to sneak patterns in throughout your day.
And what beats a fun pattern path to gold left from the Leprechaun?
Now think back to your childhood.
Remember the excitement of finding the lettuce trail from the Easter Bunny or even the cookie crumbs left from Santa? Think of the fun it would be if that snarky Leprechaun paid a visit to your home on St. Patrick’s Day.
Now I know what you are thinking. As a mom of three boys under 4, I cannot take on one more character set-up.
But hear me out. The Leprechaun doesn’t bring anything!
No candy, no sweets. Just flips a couple of chairs upside down, and leaves fun activities for your preschooler to take on for the day. Your preschooler will find it hysterical and it adds a change for the day. I am a SAHM and change can be SO needed. Especially when it is still cold outside.
Leprechaun Pattern Path St. Patrick’s Day Math
This pattern activity uses two different green colored pom poms. I used light and dark green pom poms in the ABB pattern.
Materials:
- White paper roll
- Dot markers
- Dark Green Pom Poms
- Light Green Pom Poms
- Gold glitter
- Glass jars
- Lollypop (optional)
Simple Set Up:
Setting this Leprechaun Pattern Path was so simple!
I began by laying out a large paper roll onto the floor. Next, I thought about where my four-year-old was with patterns. I knew that he has mastered AB, so I decided to go with ABB.
Using the dot markers I pressed a pattern onto the white paper.
Finally, I laid out something fun from the Leprechaun. Shown here are glitter glass jars with a lollypop inside.
How to Play:
This preschool pattern game was so much fun!
My preschoolers jumped right in and were ready to add the pom poms to the matching color. Here and there were little reminders to:
- Progress right to left
- Repeat the color pattern aloud
For a fine motor extension, preschoolers can glue the pom poms to the paper! Use liquid glue so they can strengthen those hand muscles. And, for more math, you can also use differently sized pom poms and children can look for big versus small pom poms. For more activities like that, check out these games!
Now you are set to have a fun little pattern challenge left by the Leprechaun. Who can say no to a math activity left by the little guy in a green suit?
You can find even more pattern practice on these Alphabet Activity Cards that are sold on Days with Grey! Have 50+ Activities right at your fingertips.
Looking for Some St. Patrick’s Day Printables?
Then you might enjoy these! Just click on the images below.
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