Making patterns can occur in a whole range of activities and can get as tricky as you like. Here are a few ideas for starting off with objects that you can find around the house. Collect buttons as they make a great resource for pattern making as well as counting. Lay 4 or 5 buttons in a row, alternating a small button and a large button. Ask what should come next and then continue the pattern. Play a similar activity alternating the colours of the buttons rather than size eg red blue red blue etc. Practical ideas: Making patterns