Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks & Boards

Follow one of ten design templates or create your own mosaic using these 120 colorful wooden tiles. Matching and mosaics--what a gorgeous way to develop fine motor skills!

• Dimensions: 12.7x8.7x1"
• Age: 3 years +
• Activity #1: Create a linear pattern using the blocks. Ask the child to replicate the pattern. Increase the difficulty by adding more blocks.
• Activity #2: Ask the child to sort the pattern blocks by color. Ask the child to count the number of pieces of each color. Ask the child to name each geometric shape. (green = triangle; yellow = hexagon; red = trapezoid; orange = square; blue = large rhombus/diamond; white = small rhombus/diamond)
• Activity #3: Ask the child to combine two or more blocks to replicate another shape. For example: two triangles make one rhombus. Stacking the blocks on top of each other may help the child better visualize the equivalency.
• Activity #4: Trace the outline of one or two of the simpler images provided on the pattern cards on a piece of paper. Place an outline on a flat surface. Ask the child to fill in the outline using the pattern blocks of his/her choice.
• Activity #5: Ask the child to place the pattern blocks on a flat surface and create a unique geometric design.