Pom-Pom Patterns

 Activity:  Making Patterns

1) Create a pattern using the colored pom-poms for the student to repeat.

Standards:

Kansas Early Learning Standard:
 MK 2  Demonstrates an understanding of patterns and relationships.

Kansas Pre-Kindergarten Mathematical Standards:
PK.2 Demonstrates an understanding of patterns and relationships (Algebra) 
PK.2.2.1.Pre4 1 Uses blocks, beads or other materials to make or extend patterns

I found this cute pumpkin ice cube tray to use for lots of activities!

Little learners can work on their sorting skills, too.

Eraser Math

This activity reinforces lots of different skills.  Once you have your eggs (or whatever object you choose), put the eggs in a basket/bucket. 

Materials:  lots of little erasers, something to stuff them in (we used Easter eggs)

 Little Learners Activities:
1.  Sort erasers into groups
2.  Count each group
3.  State which has more or less
4.  Use erasers to make lines or shapes

Be creative with how little hands and minds can use these little erasers.

 PreK Eraser Activity:
1.  Pick one egg
2.  Sort/group/count erasers
3. Add each group for a total number
4. Repeat with another egg
5.  Now add the two total numbers together

This activity reinforces:
counting, sorting, addition, one-to-one correspondence

Sorting and Counting

 This activity has several steps.  But it keeps L busy!

Materials:  Pom poms, dice, sorting cups, pickle tongs or tweezers of some kind.

I made this activity sheet and then made copies of it.  You can make one that fits your child's skill level. (I used my do-a-dot paints, a sharpie, and a straight edge to make this sheet.  You could probably make something on your computer, too.) 

L rolled the two dice and then put that number of pom poms into each cup.  He did this only once but you could have your child roll the dice more than that to get a larger number. 

Next he started filling out his chart.  Sort the colors in each cup.  Write the number in the correct box. 

Counting

I then had him add the two columns together.  Cup 1 + Cup 2 for each color.  Then I had him add all the  pom poms together 

There may be lots of steps to this activity, but they all keep L's mind busy.  I like to have some activities that are more involved.

You could also use beads instead of pom poms.

This activity reinforces counting, sorting, one-to-one correspondence, number formation, addition, and fine motor skills.

Color Sorting and Addition Activity

L is sorting beads and adding the numbers together.

Materials:

1) different colors of beads (buttons, erasers, crayons, pom-poms, etc.)
2) sorting cups (I made mine from yogurt cups-I'll post a tutorial; egg cartons work great, too)
3) do-a-dot paints
4) paper
5) marker


Using the do-a-dot paints that correspond with your bead colors (or whatever your object is), make a color page like the one above. After sorting the colors L writes down the number of each color.



So far this activity reinforces the ability to sort/categorize and it also reinforces number recognition and writing.


I took the activity one step further. I made an addition page like the one pictured above. Using the same colors of do-a-dot paints I made up random addition problems.


L puts the two colors of beads that he needs to add together into the tray, counts all of them (adding them together), and then writes down the total number.


This activity is reinforcing addition skills and writing numbers. L loves when he gets to write certain numbers because he knows how to write them...others are more difficult and he needs me to show him first.