Pattern Strips: Valentine’s Day Hearts
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 17
Coordinating Activities
Valentine’s Day Heart Pattern Strips
- Pattern strips with heart patterns to finish (tape the halves together)
- 3 pages of hearts picture cards to cut out and use to finish the patterns
- 1 page of teacher notes
Print in color and laminate. Cut out the strips, tape the halves together and cut apart the picture cards.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator
- Paper Cutter
- Scissors
- Tape
Standards for Patterns
These Valentine’s Day Heart pattern strips support early math standards connected to recognizing, extending and creating repeating patterns.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.B.3: Classify objects into given categories. Kids sort the picture cards by color and type as they build patterns.
- CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP7: Look for and make use of structure. Kids find the repeating core of each pattern.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.E.3: Child recognizes, duplicates, extends and creates patterns. Kids continue each pattern strip.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.PFA.1: Identify, describe, extend and create simple repeating patterns. Kids find the core and extend each pattern.
Valentine’s Day Heart Pattern Strips help preschool and kindergarten kids recognize, extend and create repeating patterns with a hands-on printable math activity.
What comes next? Kids study each heart pattern and add the pictures that finish it.
Each strip starts a pattern and leaves empty spaces at the end. Kids look for the part that repeats, then place picture cards to finish the pattern.
The strips build from simple to more complex patterns so kids can grow their thinking without using numbers at all.
Store the strips and picture cards in a zipper bag for a quick math or logic center.
How to Use Valentine’s Day Heart Pattern Strips
- Choose a pattern strip.
- Say the pattern aloud and find the part that repeats.
- Place picture cards in the empty spaces to finish the pattern.
- Read the whole pattern to check it.
Small Group: Work on one strip together. Clap or say the pattern before adding the pictures.
Independent Practice: Place the strips and cards in a center. Kids finish each pattern on their own.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Pattern Strips
Every group of kids has a mix of counting, number recognition and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Start with simple AB patterns.
- Say the pattern aloud together.
- Point to each picture as you read the pattern.
- Fill in one space at a time.
For On-Level Practice:
- Finish every strip.
- Name the part that repeats.
- Read the finished pattern aloud.
- Check work with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Make your own pattern with the picture cards.
- Extend a pattern two more times.
- Describe a pattern for a partner to build.
- Change a pattern from colors to sounds or movements.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Model the number word and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use tongs or tweezers to place counters for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Use the words pattern, repeat and next as kids work.
Valentine’s Day Heart Pattern Strips Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Valentine’s Day themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
