Explain the various attributes used in patterning. For new preschoolers, give examples of basic shapes such as squares and circles. Explain how color is also used to differentiate the shapes within more complex patterns. Once your preschoolers understand the basic attributes, give examples of more complicated shapes with internal patterns such as striping.
Use candy or other treats to help engage your preschoolers with the patterning lesson plan. Choose a candy that features a consistent shape and multiple solid colors. Have your students arrange the candy into repeating patterns of color. When they arrange a correct pattern, allow them to eat the candy as a reward.
Pass out worksheets that feature examples of incomplete patterns. Your preschoolers will then complete each pattern by drawing the correct shape. For example, create a pattern that varies between single squares and triangles. Leave a blank space after the third square. Students then draw a triangle in the blank to complete the pattern.
Include more advanced patterns on the worksheet, such a pattern that repeats shapes in variable numbers. For example, draw a pattern that alternates between sets of two squares and three circles. Leave the final circle space blank for students to fill in. This teachers your preschoolers about the mathematical basis that can be applied to patterning.
Have your preschoolers shade in the worksheet shapes with colored pencils. Tell them to use only two colors at first, and check that each student correctly shades in the shapes according to a colored pattern. Then, encourage students to incorporate multiple colors into each pattern. This allows students to work with the multiple attributes of patterning in a hands-on manner.
Show your preschoolers examples images of more complicated patterns. For example, complex patterns are seen in art, architecture and nature. Also include images of patterns that your preschoolers can relate to, such as cartoon images. Explain how the same patterning concepts they learned in class are used to visually balance each image or object.