Color Patterns: Rainbow Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 5
Coordinating Activities
Color Patterns: Rainbow Theme
- Rainbow pattern templates (3 versions) with circles to fill
Kids fill the circles with colored pom poms to make rainbow color patterns.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Colored pom poms
- Optional: laminator, crayons or dot markers
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 extend each color pattern with pom poms.
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.
Color Patterns: Rainbow Theme gives preschool and kindergarten kids a simple, hands-on way to make color patterns.
Kids place colored pom poms on the circles to build and extend rainbow patterns. The three versions let kids work at different levels.
Use the templates again and again with pom poms, or have kids color them with crayons or dot markers.
How to Use Color Patterns: Rainbow Theme
- Print the templates.
- Start a color pattern with pom poms.
- Kids say the pattern out loud.
- Kids keep the pattern going to the end of the row.
Fine Motor Center: Add tweezers to pick up the pom poms.
Small Group: Build a pattern together and have kids finish it.
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 two colors.
- Fill in the first part together.
- Use larger pom poms.
- Point to each circle as you say the pattern.
For On-Level Practice:
- Fill each row.
- Say each pattern out loud.
- Use all three templates.
- Check with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Make an ABC pattern.
- Use tweezers.
- Make your own pattern for a friend.
- Name the core of the pattern.
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.
Color Patterns: Rainbow Theme Are Perfect For:
- Toddlers
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Rainbow and spring themes
- Fine motor centers
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
