Explore Pattern with Process Art and Play
Have you ever noticed a child quietly gathering and collecting pebbles and rocks or bits of collage material? Then have you watched their minds hard at work, clustering, classifying, or finding and making patterns? It’s one our most favorite child-led learning experiences to observe and it begins with wonder and an inclination to make sense of the world.
Simple wooden blocks painted with liquid watercolor are a wonderful material for exploring pattern making.
Finding and making patterns are just two of many skills that are learned through art and play;
Pattern-making is an interdisciplinary practice that builds critical thinking skills. It helps children make predictions about what happens next and hone their reasoning skills, both of which help in early literacy and math, and of course, are elemental and innate in art-making.
Integrate pattern exploration into everyday experiences like preparing snack together.
Look for patterns as you’re playing, taking a walk, or painting together. You can even be pattern detectives while looking through picture books or at the grocery store. Notice as your child makes their own intricate patterns with virtually anything, like keys, buttons, clothespins, shells, rocks, or any loose parts. Similarly, stickers and mark making tools are an easy way to encourage pattern making in process art and play. You don’t need to instruct, just notice as they interact with the materials. Perhaps they’ll create a pattern, or surprise you by interpreting the materials in a totally different way. Just set it up and see what happens.
Dot stickers are a favorite in our classrooms for naturally integrating pattern exploration into any process art experience.
Do you need help reimagining your classroom as a hub of creativity where children share ideas and feel seen, known, and celebrated? Learn more about our Materials Matters course and Professional Learning Workshops and transform your creative practice today.