Pretty Patterns

What You Need:

• At least 12 small found objects
• Egg carton
• 3 different colors of paint

What You Do:

1. Begin by having your child divide the small found objects into 4 group based on their characteristics. Consider size, texture, weight, and whatever other qualities she decides to focus on.
2. Once she's satisfied with the groupings, have her paint each group of objects a different color.
3. After the paint has dried, take the lead and arrange the objects in the egg carton to create a pattern. Explain to your child why you situated the objects in that particular way.
4. Now it's her turn; challenge your child to create a pattern of her own with the objects. Then, you should guess why the objects are placed in that order. What pattern has your child created?
5. Go back and forth creating patterns until you each have a solid understand of the other's thought processes.
6. Make it a little more interesting by "pattern dueling." Begin by creating a pattern with 4 of the objects and encourage your child to see if she can successfully finish the pattern.
7. Let your child try to stump you with her pattern. Take turns until you've mastered the art of pattern-predicting.