Looking for alphabet activities that your kids can do independently? Something that will keep their attention for longer than five seconds? These free printable lowercase alphabet pattern block mats are perfect! Kids can use the pictures to guide them in creating each letter of the alphabet, match the shapes and find the letters that match. All without you needing to sit beside them the entire time. Giving you time to focus on small groups or to just take a breather. If you love these lowercase letter mats, you’ll also love my Uppercase Alphabet Pattern Block Mats.
Lowercase Alphabet Pattern Block Mats
Having activities like this that are hands on, get kids’ arms and fingers moving. Fine motor activities that also involve literacy and math skills will help stimulate the brain in multiple ways which is incredibly beneficial for kids!
Materials Needed
Paper | Laminating Pouch or Dry Erase Pocket |
Dry Eraser Marker | Pattern Blocks
EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 8 PackLearning Resources Wooden Pattern Blocks, Set of 250
TYH Supplies Reusable Dry Erase Pockets, 9 x 12 Inches, Assorted Neon Colors Set of 10
To Prep: Print out this free printable. Using some sort of protector for activities is a must for me. It can be either laminating or dry erase pouches. Both are work well and have their own benefits.
Lamination is more permanent, obviously, but dry erase pouches are much quicker. If choosing to laminate, go ahead and do so. If you choose to use the pouches, add the Alphabet Pattern Block Mat to the pouch.
To Use: You can start with whichever letter sheet you are choose. You can go with A-Z or completely random.
We start the activity off by stating which letter it is. We speak what the letter name is and then start with beginning sounds. I point to the picture and ask what the picture is and then emphasize the beginning sounds.
Learning Resources Plastic Pattern Blocks (Set of 250)
Learning Resources Wooden Pattern Blocks, Set of 250
Next we build the letter with the pattern blocks (we adore the Learning Resources pattern blocks shown above), while using the diagram on the sheet. When the letter is formed, we use the dry erase marker to trace the letter.
We also talk about what the pictures are, on the left side. These are all pictures of words that begin with letter on the mat. This is a great introduction or reminder of beginning sounds.
The last part of the mat is to count the number of each shape used. It is fantastic to integrate a little math with our literacy stations! We cross off each shape or you can count the number of each block and write them inside the block picture.
Learning Resources Pattern Block Activity Pack, Geometric Shapes, 160 Pieces, Ages 6+Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Pattern BlocksCP Toys Translucent Pattern Blocks / 147 Pc. Set
When we are done with the first letter, we move the pattern blocks off and start on our next letter.
If you child seems confused on the formation of certain letters, use it as a teaching moment to discuss with them how it is different than we would write it and see if they can develop a better way to form the letter with the pattern blocks. This will actually help them remember the correct shape of the letters because more of their brain and body is involved.
Additional Ideas
I really like the idea of using these pattern block mats for the letter of the day or letter of the week. This can help children have the time to focus on each letter individually.
This, however, is not required. These pattern block mats make a fantastic literacy center and are super easy to store on the side for early finishers!
I also really like that this activity can be done with flexible seating and on trays, it is not restricted to just a table or desk.
P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book EverAlphaOops!: The Day Z Went FirstLMNO Peas (The Peas Series)
Teresa says
These are the best pattern block sheets I’ve seen for a long while