Pattern blocks are a classic early childhood resource, and the Christmas Pattern Block Mats add a joyful seasonal twist that children absolutely love. These printables invite children to create festive images using standard pattern blocks, supporting spatial reasoning, problem‑solving, and shape recognition in a hands‑on, engaging way.
Whether you’re planning Christmas activities, setting up a math provocation, or looking for quiet table tasks during the festive season, these mats are a perfect addition to your program.
What Are Christmas Pattern Block Mats?
The Christmas Pattern Block Mats are printable templates featuring festive images such as trees, stockings, ornaments, and more. Children place pattern blocks directly onto the mats to complete each picture. Each set also includes a visual guide showing the number of each block needed.
These mats are available in multiple sets (Set 1–13), each with a different Christmas‑themed design and corresponding block pieces.
Benefits of Using Pattern Block Mats
1. Develop Spatial Reasoning
Children learn how shapes fit together, rotate, flip, and combine to form a larger image a key foundation for geometry and STEM learning.
2. Strengthen Problem‑Solving Skills
Children must decide which shapes to use, how to orient them, and how to complete the picture logically.
3. Build Shape Knowledge
Pattern blocks introduce hexagons, trapezoids, triangles, rhombuses, and squares in a meaningful, hands‑on way.
4. Support Fine Motor Development
Picking up, rotating, and placing blocks strengthens finger muscles and hand‑eye coordination.
5. Encourage Focus and Persistence
Completing a mat requires concentration, patience, and perseverance especially for more complex designs.
6. Promote Mathematical Language
Educators can model vocabulary such as: “triangle,” “rotate,” “side,” “corner,” “bigger,” “smaller,” “fits,” “doesn’t fit,” “pattern,” and “symmetry.”
7. Easy, Low‑Prep Festive Learning
Simply print, laminate, and add pattern block perfect for December programming.
How to Use the Christmas Pattern Block Mats
1. Table Activity or Morning Invitation
Set out a few mats with a basket of pattern blocks. Children can choose a design and work independently or with peers.
2. Small‑Group Maths Session
Use the mats to explore:
- shape names
- counting blocks
- comparing quantities
- discussing symmetry
- predicting which shapes will fit
3. Quiet Time or Transition Activity
These mats are calming, structured, and ideal for children who enjoy focused tasks.
4. Learning Centre Rotation
Add them to your construction or math area as a seasonal provocation.
5. Visual Supports for Younger Children
The included “pieces” guide helps children match shapes and quantities.
Practical Tips for Success
- Laminate the mats for durability and reuse.
- Use real pattern blocks, not paper cutouts, for better fine‑motor engagement.
- Offer a choice of mats with varying difficulty levels.
- Model how to rotate shapes many children don’t realise a triangle can be turned to fit.
- Encourage peer collaboration (“Can you help me find the shape that fits here?”).
- Store mats in a festive basket to make the activity inviting.
Extension Ideas for Deeper Learning
1. Create Your Own Christmas Pattern Block Designs
Invite children to design their own Christmas shapes on blank paper using pattern blocks.
Then photograph or trace their design to create new mats.
2. Count & Graph the Blocks
After completing a mat, children count how many of each shape they used.
Create a simple graph to compare results.
3. Explore Symmetry
Ask:
- “Is this design symmetrical?”
- “What would it look like on the other side?”
4. Pattern Block Challenges
- “Can you make a Christmas tree using only triangles?”
- “Can you build a bigger version of this design?”
5. Add Loose Parts
Combine pattern blocks with:
- pom‑poms
- buttons
- sequins
- natural materials
Children can embellish their Christmas creations.
6. Storytelling Extension
After completing a mat, invite children to tell a Christmas story about their picture.
EYLF Connections
Outcome 1 – Children feel safe, secure and supported
- Calm, predictable activity
- Opportunities for success and mastery
Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners
- Spatial reasoning
- Problem‑solving
- Persistence
- Curiosity and experimentation
Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators
- Mathematical language
- Describing shapes and patterns
- Explaining thinking processes
The Christmas Pattern Block Mats are a simple, festive, and highly effective way to build early math skills while keeping children engaged during the holiday season. They support hands‑on learning, encourage persistence, and offer endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. With minimal prep and maximum educational value, they’re a must‑have resource for December programming.
DOWNLOAD HERE: Christmas Pattern Blocks
MORE: Christmas Printables
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