Creating patterns is a concept often found in traditional preschool and elementary math programs and is a foundational skill that helps strengthen kids’ critical thinking skills. This Rainbow Patterns Activity reinforces color sight words and patterning skills as kids read the sight words, and then create simple patterns using rainbow-colored objects.
Incorporate this Rainbow Color Repeating Pattern Activity into your rainbow-themed learning units, or use as a colorful way to practice beginning math and reading skills.
Materials Needed for the Rainbow Patterns Activity:
Rainbow Patterns printable (found below)
Paper or card stock
Laminator and laminating sheet (optional)
Pencil or dry erase marker
Small objects in rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple (such as candies, cereal pieces, punched paper circles, stickers, beads, Unifix cubes, Legos, blocks, etc.)
To Prep: Download the pattern printable and print on paper or card stock. If desired, laminate the printable for durability and repeated patterning practice.
Create Rainbow Patterns
Review the color sight words on the printable, then have your kids create a rainbow pattern in each row of the printable by placing the colorful objects on the coordinating color sight words, and then continuing the repeating patterns.
In the right column, write the color that comes next in the pattern. If you choose to laminate this activity sheet, a dry-erase marker works well for this step.
If your kids aren’t reading yet, or you don’t have objects to match the colors listed on the printable, two additional blank versions are included in the download to adapt to your academic needs. The blank printable could also be used as a worksheet with Do-a-Dot markers, crayons, etc.
Extension Activity Idea: Discuss the patterns with your kids. What kinds of patterns were created?
(For example: AB Pattern: red, yellow, red, yellow . . . ; ABC Pattern: red, yellow, blue, red, yellow, blue . . . ; ABBC Pattern: red, yellow, yellow, blue, red, yellow, yellow, blue . . .)
To find many, many more repeating pattern activities visit:
Download the Rainbow Patterns Printable here.
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