Children will love this hands-on coding activity where they create colorful kites by matching bows to complete specific tail patterns. It's a fun way to introduce early sequencing and pattern recognition skills for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
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Sign in to track progressWhat You'll Need
• "Coding Kites" printable (PDF) • Child-safe scissors • Glue stick or tape • Crayons or markers (optional)
Getting Started
Print out the "Coding Kites" worksheet. Gather all your materials in a clear workspace.
How to Do This Activity
• Carefully observe the large kite on the left side of the worksheet, paying close attention to the colors and sequence of the bows on its tail. This is your target pattern. • Using child-safe scissors, cut out the individual colored bows located at the bottom left of the worksheet. • Next, cut out the large kite and its attached tail ribbon from the left side of the worksheet. • Now, arrange the cut-out bows onto the tail ribbon of your kite. Match the colors and place them in the correct sequence to replicate the pattern you observed. • Once you're happy with the pattern, use a glue stick or tape to securely attach each bow to the kite's tail. • (Optional) You can also cut out the smaller completed kites on the right side of the worksheet to use as reference or for an additional matching game.
Tips for Parents
• Before cutting, discuss the colors and shapes of the bows with your child. • Talk about the concept of a "pattern" and "sequence" as your child arranges the bows. For example, "What color comes next in our pattern?" • Encourage independent cutting and pasting to help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. • Praise their efforts and focus on the process, not just the perfect outcome.
Ways to Extend
For an added challenge, create your own unique bow patterns using different colors or shapes. You can also draw your own kite and tail, then design a new pattern to follow. Laminate the cut-out bows and kite pieces for a reusable matching game. Discuss real kites: how they fly, what makes them stay in the air, and different types of kites.