Colored Tilings
How to create
Create a set of “tiles” from cardboard or stiff paper. Use the patterns in the EFM Printables PDF, or download the patterns from a source on the internet. Use one source for all the shapes so that they fit well together. For each shape, use just one or two colors, such as red squares and blue triangles – that will help your child pick up the pattern of which shapes are which, and it will make the patterns more interesting.
Watch your child make patterns fitting the tiles together. Name the shapes and colors as they go.
With older children, talk about patterns in the tiling that repeat. Also, talk about symmetries in the overall design. Some designs have one side that is the reflection of the other side, and that is called mirror symmetry.
After your child has made a few designs, start pointing out patterns in the tiled floors and buildings that you see. Brickwork or woodwork often have interesting patterns in them.