Pattern Mats ABC Patterns: Weather Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 13
Coordinating Activities
Weather ABC Pattern Mats
- “I can copy an ABC pattern” mats
- “I can continue an ABC pattern” mats
- “I can create an ABC pattern” mats
- Picture pattern cards to cut apart
- Instruction page
The mats move from copying a pattern to continuing one to creating one, so kids build pattern skills step by step.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
Standards for Patterns
This weather pattern activity supports early math standards connected to recognizing, copying, extending and creating repeating patterns.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- 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 name the pattern and decide what comes next.
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.
- K.PFA.1.c: Create and describe a repeating pattern using objects, colors, sounds, movements or pictures. Kids build their own pattern with the picture cards.
Weather ABC Pattern Mats help preschool and kindergarten kids copy, continue and create ABC patterns with weather picture cards.
The mats and pattern cards use weather pictures, like suns, clouds and umbrellas.
Start with the copy mats, where kids lay picture cards on top of the pattern. Then move to the continue mats, where kids choose what comes next, and finish with the create mats, where kids make their own pattern.
Laminate the pieces so you can use them again and again in a center or small group.
How to Use Weather ABC Pattern Mats
- Print and laminate the mats and cut apart the pattern cards.
- Kids copy a pattern by laying cards on top.
- Kids continue a pattern by choosing what comes next.
- Kids create their own pattern on the create mat.
Small Group: Play or work together and talk about each step out loud.
Center: Set out the materials so kids can work on their own or with a partner.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Activity
Every group has a mix of skills, attention and turn-taking. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Start with AB patterns.
- Say the pattern out loud together.
- Point to each picture as you say it.
- Use real objects to build the pattern first.
For On-Level Practice:
- Name the core of each pattern.
- Continue each pattern on your own.
- Read the pattern with letters, like A B A B.
- Check work with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Try ABB, BBA or ABC patterns.
- Create a new pattern with real objects.
- Turn the pattern into sounds or movements.
- Find patterns in the classroom.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name the pictures together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use larger markers or pieces for kids who need them.
- Repeat the same activity across several sessions.
Weather ABC Pattern Mats Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Weather themes
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Morning tubs
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
