Snowflake Patterns

Snowflakes are beautiful things and this activity for kids is so simple and fun to try at home. Looking at patterns in nature is a great way to start children thinking about patterns and shapes in an engaging and fun way!

Set Up

So for this activity I used the glass pebbles and pom poms that I had already used in our Winter Woodland Small World activity. I then added some twigs that we had collected together in the garden. I also put on, for inspiration of how snowflakes looked, some wooden snowflakes that we had used with this winter play dough activity and also some snowflake stickers that had been on the windows for Christmas. I put all of this on our tuff spot and it was ready to go in no time at all.

I allowed my children free reign with this snowflake pattern activity. I had intended for them to make snowflakes but if they wanted to simply arrange the sticks and pom poms into different shapes or patterns that was ok too. Giving children free reign of resources actually helps to develop their own creativity and thinking skills. M wanted to make snow themed magic wands and F enjoyed putting the sticks into seemingly random shapes and then scattering the pom poms on top.

I really enjoyed watching the girls play and explore this snowflake pattern activity at home. It became more of a loose parts play activity with them using the materials as they wished and creating their own interesting creations. Through the activity we had the opportunity to discuss colours, patterns, numbers and shapes too. A great activity to allow children to explore and be creative in their own way.