Lay out a series of toy blocks using two different colors or shapes. Arrange the blocks in an ABABAB pattern that is easy for the children to see, understand and replicate. Spend a few minutes with the blocks every day until the children are ready to move on to more complicated patterns, such as ABBABBABB OR ABCABCABC.
Provide the children with large beads and thick wire or string. Encourage the children to make their own patterns and create bracelets or necklaces with the beads. Beading projects will show you which children understand patterns and which children need additional help.
Create small patterns using shapes, colors or both. Start the pattern and leave a couple of blank spaces for children who are beginning to understand patterning, or leave gaps in the pattern for the children to determine what is missing if the children are more advanced. Provide crayons for the children to draw the shapes and color them in accordingly.
Give each child a blank paper strip and supplies to create a pattern. The children can use stickers, stamps, large hole-punched shapes or colored pasta. Give the children directions on what kind of pattern to make or allow them to create their own. Using different materials will make the pattern building activities seem different.
Ask the children to identify patterns in things you see and do every day. For example, use fence posts, parking spots, street markings or the way the students line up every day to create and recognize patterns. For example, line the children up boy-girl-boy-girl or dark shirt-light shirt-dark shirt-light shirt. See which child can guess the pattern first.