Heart Patterns: A Valentine's Day Math Activity

R loves patterns. Truly. He delights in finding patterns! And what's more fun than patterns by themselves? STICKERS!

So today I wanted to share a pattern activity I set up for R. All you need is some foam heart stickers and paper. The beauty of this activity is that you can really customize it for your child. You can create a one layer simple pattern for a younger child to complete. Or you can make this more difficult for an older child by making a second or third layer. And that is what I did for R.

I started by creating pattern strips with the construction paper. I just cut a strip of paper and divided it into the number of squares I wanted. Then I created the multi-layer hearts. I used various styles, sizes, and colors of the foam heart stickers to build my hearts. Then I arranged the first few onto the paper to establish the pattern he needed to complete.

I set the pattern strips out along with a handful of the various stickers. R had to look at the pattern and create what came next using multiple layers. So not only is this fun with patterns, it's also fun with stickers! He really enjoyed this activity and I think he did a great job. After he finished completing the patterns that I made for him, he decided to make his own. This easily kept him busy for quite some time. 

And to make sure these cute little stickers didn't go to waste..

We made bookmarks! We simply punched a hole in a corner and threaded some ribbon through it. We'll be giving these out to a few family and friends that love books. 

Do your children love patterns? Stickers?