Nature Pattern Cards

Nature Pattern Cards

A simple way to bring early maths into the play children are already doing, without turning it into a sit down activity.

These printable Nature Pattern Cards introduce repeating patterns using familiar natural materials such as leaves, pinecones and pebbles. Children can follow the pattern shown, recreate it using their own finds or begin making patterns of their own.

Take them on a nature walk, add them to an outdoor maths basket, use them alongside loose parts or pop one beside a collection gathered by the children. There is no need for a complicated set up. A handful of natural treasures is enough to explore noticing, matching, sequencing, predicting and repeating patterns, while also encouraging mathematical language and problem solving.

The cards are designed as prompts rather than worksheets, so they can be revisited and adapted to suit the child. Start with a simple repeating pattern, change the objects, continue a sequence or see whether children begin spotting patterns elsewhere in their environment.

Perfect for: Early maths, pattern recognition, sequencing, loose parts, nature play and outdoor provisionFormat: Digital printable resourceAvailable: Purchase individually or access as part of The Play Library

Print them, collect a few treasures and start noticing the maths that is already all around us.