Patterns are everywhere in nature—from the spirals in a seashell to the veins of a leaf. For young children, recognizing and creating patterns is a foundational skill that helps build early math, science, and critical thinking abilities. But how can we, as educators, help preschoolers observe and explore patterns in a way that is playful and engaging?
This post will guide you through simple ways to spark curiosity about nature’s patterns and encourage hands-on exploration in your classroom.
Why Patterns Matter in Early Learning
Before children learn to count or recognize shapes, they naturally notice patterns. Patterns help children make sense of the world, strengthening their ability to predict, sequence, and classify information—key skills for both math and science.
In the natural world, patterns can be seen in:
✔ Spiral shapes in flowers and pinecones
✔ Stripes on leaves, animals, or rocks
✔ Symmetrical shapes in butterfly wings and tree branches
✔ Repeating arrangements in petals and seed pods
Helping children observe and explore these patterns builds their ability to recognize order and structure in nature—a crucial step in developing early STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) thinking.
Simple Ways to Introduce Patterns in Nature
1. Go on a Nature Pattern Hunt
Take children outside for a pattern scavenger hunt. Encourage them to:
🔎 Look for patterns in leaves, flowers, bark, and animal markings.
🔎 Use words to describe the patterns they see (striped, spotted, swirled).
🔎 Collect natural objects to bring back to the classroom and compare.
💡 Classroom Tip: If going outside isn’t an option, use nature photos or display objects like pinecones and shells for children to examine.
2. Create Patterns Using Natural Materials
Once children have observed patterns in nature, challenge them to create their own patterns using natural objects.
✔ Line up leaves in a repeating order (big, small, big, small).
✔ Arrange rocks by color or size.
✔ Use sticks and petals to form spirals or symmetrical designs.
💡 Classroom Tip: This is a great opportunity to introduce AB, ABB, and ABC pattern sequences.
3. Make Nature-Inspired Art Patterns
Bring pattern exploration into the art center with creative activities inspired by nature.
🎨 Leaf Rubbings: Place a leaf under a piece of paper and rub it with a crayon. Ask children to find patterns in the leaf veins.
🎨 Symmetry Drawings: Show children half of a leaf or butterfly wing and have them draw the missing side.
🎨 Spiral Art: Look at spiral patterns in flowers, shells, or vines, then encourage children to create their own spirals using paint or crayons.
💡 Classroom Tip: Use mirrors to explore symmetry by reflecting half of an object and showing how patterns repeat.
4. Extend Learning with Thoughtful Questions
Encourage children to think deeper about the patterns they see by asking:
🔹 What do you notice about this pattern?
🔹 What happens if we add another piece to the pattern?
🔹 Where else have you seen this kind of pattern?
🔹 Can you make a different kind of pattern with these materials?
By guiding children to describe and analyze what they observe, you help them develop strong STEAM thinking skills.
Bringing Pattern Exploration into Your STEAM Classroom
Patterns in nature provide a fun and accessible way to introduce key STEAM concepts in preschool. By combining outdoor exploration, hands-on play, and creative art activities, children develop skills in observation, prediction, and problem-solving—all while having fun.
Looking for more play-based STEAM activities that make learning hands-on and engaging?
📢 Join our Preschool STEAM Pathways membership for exclusive lesson plans, activity guides, and hands-on ideas designed to bring STEAM learning to life in your classroom!
What patterns have your preschoolers discovered? Share your favorite nature pattern activities in the comments!
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