Patterns: Transportation Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 16
Coordinating Activities
Patterns: Transportation Theme
- Transportation pattern strips with boats, trains, helicopters, bikes, hot air balloons, cars and more
- “Make this pattern” cards
- Transportation picture cards to build each pattern
Kids continue the pattern strips, then use the picture cards to copy each “Make this pattern” card.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
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 continue and copy each transportation pattern.
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: Transportation Theme gives preschool and kindergarten kids practice continuing and copying patterns with things that go.
Kids look at each transportation pattern strip and decide what comes next. Then they use the picture cards to build the pattern on each “Make this pattern” card.
The set works well in a transportation unit and gives kids lots of practice with AB, AAB and ABB patterns.
How to Use Patterns: Transportation Theme
- Print, laminate and cut apart the strips, cards and pictures.
- Kids say the pattern on a strip.
- Kids find the picture that comes next.
- Kids build each “Make this pattern” card with the picture cards.
Math Center: Set out the strips and picture cards.
Small Group: Make the sounds of each vehicle as you say the pattern.
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:
- Start with AB strips.
- Give only the pictures kids need.
- Say the pattern together.
- Point to each picture.
For On-Level Practice:
- Finish every strip.
- Build every pattern card.
- Say each pattern out loud.
- Check with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Make your own pattern.
- Try an ABC pattern.
- Name the core of each pattern.
- Make a pattern with sounds.
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: Transportation Theme Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Transportation themes
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
