How to Make Pattern Strips

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 5+ pattern strips

Link: Print Pattern Strips From Here

Supplies:

• laminator with sheets
• scissors
• 21 Velcro squares (7 hard side and 14 soft side)
• 1 sheets white construction paper
• 1 sheet white printer paper
• 30+ stickers (any 3 holidays or themes)
• pen or pencil

 

 

Steps:

1. Use a ruler to draw three lines of equal boxes on white paper.

 
2. Cut out the three rows of boxes. Keep one row together and separate the boxes of the other two rows. Decide on which patterns you want your child to make, like "ABAB" or "ABCABC". Add 1-2 stickers to each of the squares you separated, making sure to use enough for each pattern. Laminate all the individual squares and the row that's still together.

 
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3. Cut Velcro squares in half. Use the hard side for the uncut row and the soft side for the individual squares. Place a piece in each box. These will allow one pattern strip to become an infinite number of patterns.

 
4. Start a pattern sequence, like this: "hatching chick, bunny, chick". Leave the remaining sticker squares on the table for your child to complete the pattern.

 
5. Once the pattern is complete, you can ask your child to tell you what it is. If they got it wrong, start from the left side and say each item aloud. Many times this verbal cue will elicit the correct answer of what comes next. Then they can fix it themselves. You could also try an easier pattern. If it was too simple, try more difficult patterns. You can also add a second pattern strip and allow them to complete a longer pattern.

 
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6. Here are "AABB" and "ABAB" patterns, using Saint Patrick's day stickers.

 

 
7. These pattern strips were printed from an education site, which I linked. They aren't laminated and can only be used once. I used these with students to have concrete evidence of their skills to place in portfolios.