Making patterns is a fun activity that's easily adaptable for kids of different ages. Our favourite way to make patterns is using DUPLO or LEGO bricks.
What is a Pattern?
A pattern in a sequence that repeats itself is a concept that is quite important for children to grasp.
We started very simply with Duplo bricks to introduce the concept.
Then we drew some patterns.
My 5-year-old made some more complicated patterns using DUPLO. Can you spot all the patterns in his model?
Real Life Examples - Patterns
We looked in the kitchen to try to find some patterns in foods and found this. Can you think of any others in your kitchen?
We also made a boy/girl pattern around the dinner table, and Z made a pattern with his sweetcorn and peas on his plate.
Patterns in nature
There are many examples of patterns in nature, including symmetry, spirals, fractals and stripes.
Mirror Symmetry
Animals with the ability to move usually have mirror symmetry, as this works well for movement purposes, whereas plants and stationary animals often have rotational symmetry.
Spirals in Nature
Spirals are found in some molluscs and even in plants, such as the flower heads of sunflowers.
Fractals in Nature
Fractals are patterns that repeat at different scales.
Fractals can be seen in sunflower heads. The seeds are arranged in two intersecting spirals, one clockwise and one counterclockwise. The number of spirals follows the Fibonacci sequence.
Patterns are also found in non-living things. I was most surprised last weekend when a snowflake landed on my arm and, for the first time ever, I could see the perfect sixfold symmetry.
Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
HELEN says
we now have a nice pattern in our carpet!!
laura says
What a fun lesson!
Mary at Sweetwater Style says
Love this....the more that kids see pattern in the world the better they are at math and reading too....keep up the good work!
ScienceSparks says
Thank you.
Ticia says
I've always found the patterns in nature fascinating, especially Fibonnaci's Sequence.
ScienceSparks says
oooh yes, thats a good one!
Aimee says
My son loves patterns- he points them out everywhere! Great post 😉 Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase.
maggy, red ted art says
Sorry it has taken me all week to stop by and comment! But love this post. Such a wonderful way to "look closer" at the things around you. I guess you could add "exploring texture" too... I love how corn feels!
Maggy
Irina says
Thank you!
Eddie says
Great idea for discovering patterns!
I have no idea what the last picture is (beet? Red onion?), but it's a great photo!
maggy, red ted art says
Isn't lego simply THE BEST!!!
And is that some beetroot?
Thank you so much for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy & Alissa
Diane says
That's a nice thin slice of beet!!!