Patterns are everywhere in nature. Recognizing patterns is a fundamental math skill. One of my favorite books for teaching patterns is Pattern Bugs by Trudy Harris.
Pattern Bugs by Trudy Harris
This is such a cute book. It is a picture book with language that young children will understand and all will enjoy. Each bug in the story makes a sound or movement that creates a pattern. The pictures on each page are beautifully designed to incorporate the same repeating patterns. For example, the page with a caterpillar uses an AABC pattern. The words in the story on this page follow the AABC pattern. This pattern is repeated for the frame decorating the pages, the leaves, the spots and stripes of the caterpillar, the lines on the flower petals, and even the caterpillar's teeth. Children of all ages will have fun looking for the patterns.
Extension Activities: After reading this book, you could have students create their own pattern bugs. Using the book as a model, students could write a short poem about the bug, and then draw a picture that includes the same pattern in the elements of the picture.
I have a Completing Patterns Activity Set (PreK-1) that would go well with this book. It features patterns with garden insects. There are four practice pages for students to identify which picture comes next in the pattern. There are also twelve pattern strips (three on a page) and a set of card s for students to complete the pattern. Everything comes in both color and black and white. They can be printed for the whole class or used in centers. Find the Completing Patterns Activity Set in my store on Teachers Pay Teachers.
