Do your kids need a break from worksheets?
These ocean animal pattern block mats are a great, hands-on learning activity that kids won’t even know are educational!
We love pattern block mats and have made so many different ones over the last few years.
These ocean animal ones go perfectly during summertime or when learning about the ocean ecosystem.
They’re super easy to use at home or in the classroom and can be brought out year after year!
Ocean Pattern Block Printables
Supplies
- White cardstock or plain printer paper
- Pattern blocks (we use these wood ones but they also have plastic ones)
- Laminator (optional; recommended for repeated use)
- Laminating sheets (optional)
- Ocean pattern block mats
Directions
Download the ocean pattern block mats and print on the white paper or card stock. Laminate each page so it doesn’t get ruined with repeated use.
Wondering how you actually use pattern block mats?
All you need to do to use pattern block mats is to set out the pattern blocks and the mats and let your child match the shape to the outlines on the pictures.
Related: Ocean Color By Number Worksheets
If you’re sitting beside them to help enrich their learning opportunities, you can help them learn even more!
For older toddlers, you can talk about the colors of each pattern block shape as they pick them up. As their knowledge increases, ask them more questions like, “Can you find the blue block?”
Older children can begin to learn the name of each of the shapes. Review the shape names included in the pattern block mats with them:
- squares
- hexagons
- trapezoids
- parallelograms
- triangles
- diamonds
You can also have them see if they can find any patterns in the pattern block mats.
To enhance learning even further, ask your child is they can see where two or more pattern blocks come together to make another shape.
If you’re using these pattern block mats as a self-directed learning activity, don’t worry, there are skills they’ll be working on just by playing with these mats!
They can work on fine motor skills when they place each of the blocks on the precise position that they belong on the mat.
If you’re using these mats with very young children (toddlers) who can’t get the blocks in the right spot or who keep hitting them out of place when adding the next block, we have a solution!
Just grab some adhesive velcro and add one side to the back of the block and the other side to the middle of the shape outline on the pattern block mat. Then they can firmly place the velcro together without the worry of it moving out of place.
Using velcro also makes it turn into a fun on-the-go activity for car rides or doctor’s appointments.
Want to try this out to see if your child enjoys it? Download the dolphin pattern block mat for free by entering your email in the form at the end of this post!
More Ocean Ideas For Kids
We love borrowing books from the library or buying some to add to our home collection. Reading is a great way to introduce a new unit and as you know, has tremendous benefits! Below are some of the top rated ocean books for kids!
The Snail and the Whale– Julia Donaldson, author of the famous book The Gruffalo, brings kids another fun book about an unlikely set of friends. Snail and Whale have lots of fun together in this colorful book!
Shark Lady– This children’s book is based upon the true story of Eugenie Clark, aka, The Shark Lady. Learn about her love of sharks, her discoveries, and the inspiring message of going after what you want in life.
The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!
This ocean sensory bin is great for when you want something done for you. If you prefer the DIY route, try out this frozen ocean sensory bin.
Another fun option is this ocean play dough set. It’s sparkly and comes with several cool fish!