Patterns With Beads: Winter Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 4
Coordinating Activities
Patterns With Beads: Winter Theme
- Winter bead pattern cards, 2 pages
- Each card has a color key (“Lay a different bead on each color”) and a pattern to build with the beads
Kids pick a bead for each color on the key, then thread or lay the beads in the same pattern.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Pony beads
- Chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
Standards for Patterns
These pattern activities support early math standards connected to recognizing, copying, extending and creating patterns.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP7: Look for and make use of structure. Kids find the part of the pattern that repeats and use it to decide what comes next.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- PK4.V.E.3: Child recognizes, duplicates, extends and creates patterns. Kids copy each pattern with beads.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.PFA.1.a: Identify and describe the core found in repeating patterns. Kids say the part of the pattern that repeats.
- K.PFA.1.b: Extend a repeating pattern by adding at least two complete repetitions of the core to the pattern. Kids keep each pattern going.
Patterns With Beads: Winter Theme give preschool and kindergarten kids hands-on practice building patterns while they work on fine motor skills.
Each card shows a color key and a pattern. Kids match a bead to each color, then thread the beads onto a chenille stem in the same order.
Threading beads builds the pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination kids need for writing.
How to Use Patterns With Beads: Winter Theme
- Print, laminate and cut apart the cards.
- Kids lay a bead on each color in the key.
- Kids say the pattern out loud.
- Kids thread the beads onto a chenille stem to build the pattern.
- Kids check their stem against the card.
Fine Motor Center: Set out the cards with beads and chenille stems.
Small Group: Build the first pattern together.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Pattern Activities
Every group has a mix of pattern and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use large beads.
- Lay the beads on the card first.
- Start with AB patterns.
- Tape the end of the chenille stem.
For On-Level Practice:
- Build every pattern.
- Say each pattern out loud.
- Make the pattern longer.
- Check with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Make your own bead pattern.
- Name the core of the pattern.
- Build a pattern with three colors.
- Turn your pattern into a bracelet.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Say each pattern together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use real objects in the same colors.
- Point to each piece as you say the pattern.
Patterns With Beads: Winter Theme Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Winter themes
- Fine motor centers
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
