Pattern Block Templates: Forest Animals
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 12
Coordinating Activities
Forest Animal Pattern Block Templates
- 10 full-color pattern block templates (a bear, a bird, a deer, a fox, a mouse, an owl, a porcupine, a raccoon and a wolf)
- Each template includes:
- A picture of the animal to build
- A list of shapes to mark as you use them
- An “I can make” sentence
Print in color and laminate so kids can mark the shapes with a dry-erase marker.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator
- Pattern blocks
- Dry-erase marker
Standards for Geometry
These Forest Animal templates support early math standards connected to naming shapes and composing larger shapes.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.6: Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes. Kids put pattern blocks together to make animals.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. Kids name each block they use.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.C.1: Child names and describes common 2D shapes. Kids name the pattern blocks as they build.
- TEKS K.6D: Identify attributes of two-dimensional shapes using informal and formal geometric language.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.MG.2: Identify, describe, name, compare and construct plane figures. Kids name and combine shapes to build each animal.
Forest Animal Pattern Block Templates help preschool and kindergarten kids build pictures with 2D shapes and practice spatial reasoning with hands-on pattern block mats.
Build forest animals one shape at a time!
Each template shows an animal made from pattern blocks. Kids place real pattern blocks on the outline, then mark each shape they used and read the “I can make” sentence.
Building pictures with shapes helps kids see how shapes fit together while they name triangles, squares, hexagons and more.
Keep the templates and a bin of pattern blocks in a math or fine motor center.
How to Use Forest Animal Pattern Block Templates
- Choose an animal template.
- Place pattern blocks on each shape in the picture.
- Mark each shape you used.
- Read the “I can make” sentence.
Small Group: Build one animal together. Name each shape as you place it.
Independent Practice: Place the templates and pattern blocks in a center. Kids build each animal on their own.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Templates
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 the animals that use the fewest blocks.
- Name each shape before placing it.
- Sort the pattern blocks by shape first.
- Build one part of the animal at a time.
For On-Level Practice:
- Build every animal.
- Mark each shape you used.
- Count how many of each shape you used.
- Read the sentence on each mat.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Build the animal next to the template.
- Count all the blocks in each animal.
- Design your own animal with pattern blocks.
- Trade one shape for others that cover the same space.
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.
- Place small pattern blocks carefully for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Name each pattern block shape as kids build.
Forest Animal Pattern Block Templates Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Forest and woodland animal themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
