Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Folder pattern partners
Make a fold-away game to match colors and patterns.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A paper folder, one full sheet of paper, large child-appropriate crayons, and a glue stick.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult folds the paper into four large panels and draws one large shape in each.
Adult's role: Stay with the child; help fold and attach the game sheet.
Let's make it happen
- Color each shape differently, adding stripes or dots to some. An adult glues the sheet inside the open folder.
- On the opposite side, draw the same four shapes in a different order with the same colors and patterns.
- Find matching partners by pointing across the folder. Swap roles and choose a new shape to match.
Make it simpler: Use two different colors and match by pointing.
Clean up: Close the folder and put away crayons and glue.
Adult supervises glue use. This game has no loose playing pieces.