Back to school season is the perfect time to bring out all those school-themed games and activities!
And if you’re looking for something simple that kids can do while practicing shapes, matching, and observation skills, this School Bus Shape Pattern Matching game is a fun one to add to your list.
I designed this printable activity with a big yellow school bus and lots of colorful shape pieces. Kids choose a pattern card and then try to recreate the same arrangement by placing the matching shapes in the school bus windows.
It’s easy to understand, doesn’t require a long list of supplies, and can be used again and again.
This Pattern Matching Activity is especially fun for preschool and kindergarten, whether you’re looking for first day of school activities, something to add to a classroom center, or simply a quiet activity to do at home.
I’ve made the printable available at the end of this post. Prepare, and start playing!
Why Pattern Matching Is a Great Activity for Kids
At first glance, this might look like a simple school bus game, but kids are actually using several different skills while they play.
That’s one of my favorite things about printable activities. They can feel like play while sneaking in a little learning at the same time!
Visual Discrimination
To complete the pattern, kids need to look closely at the pieces and figure out which ones match the pattern card.
They’ll be comparing things like shape, color, and position.
Two pieces might have similar colors but completely different shapes, so they’ll need to pay attention to those little differences.
Shape Recognition
This Shape and pattern matching activity is also an easy way to practice recognizing different shapes.
As your child plays, you can name the shapes together.
Instead of saying, “Find this one,” try something like, “Can you find the blue star?” or “Where is the orange circle?”
There’s no need to turn the game into a lesson or quiz. Just naturally using the shape names while you play gives kids another opportunity to become familiar with them.
Fine Motor Skills
Picking up the little shape pieces and carefully placing them inside the school bus windows gives kids some extra fine motor practice, too.
They need to pick up, move, rotate, and position each piece.
You can also laminate the pieces to make them a little sturdier and easier for small hands to move around.
Concentration and Attention to Detail
There’s quite a bit to pay attention to!
Kids have to look at the pattern card, find the correct piece, figure out where it belongs, and then check their work.
They’ll probably look back and forth between the card and their school bus several times before completing the printable puzzle.
Problem-Solving Skills
Sometimes a piece might end up in the wrong window, and that’s okay!
Before pointing it out, give your child a chance to compare their finished bus with the pattern card.
They may be able to figure out what needs to move on their own.
Supplies
You don’t need many supplies to put this activity together. You’ll need:
- The School Bus Shape Pattern Matching printable
- A printer
- Cardstock
- Scissors
- Laminator and laminating sheets, optional
How to Play with the School Bus Shape Pattern Matching Game
Step 1: Print the Game
Start by printing the pages. I recommend cardstock to make the pieces a little sturdier.
This printable set includes 18 shape pattern cards, a bus mat, and 10 different shape cutouts: square, circle, triangle, rectangle, star, heart, oval, pentagon, hexagon, and trapezoid.
Step 2: Cut Out the Pieces
Cut out the individual shape pieces and pattern cards.
Since some of the pieces are small, an adult may need to help with this part depending on the child’s age and cutting skills.
Step 3: Laminate the Game, If You Want
This step is completely optional.
If you’re a teacher and plan to use the game with several groups of students, laminating can be really helpful.
It makes the pages and pieces sturdier and helps them last through lots of play.
Laminating is also useful if you want to bring the game out again next school year.
Step 4: Play!
Once your printable puzzle is prepared, playing is easy.
Choose one of the pattern cards and place it next to the school bus.
Then spread the individual shape pieces nearby so your child can see them.
Have them look at the first shape on the pattern card and find the matching piece.
Where does it belong on the bus?
Place it in the corresponding window and move on to the next shape.
Continue until every window is filled.
Once the school bus is complete, compare it with the pattern card.
Do they match?
If they do, choose another card and start again!
Watch the School Bus Shape Pattern Matching Game in Action
Want to see exactly how this School Bus Shape Pattern Matching game works? Watch the video below!
In the video, I play through the game so you can see how to choose a pattern card, find the correct shape pieces, and place them in the matching school bus windows.
Seeing the Pattern Matching Activity in action can be especially helpful if you’re wondering how to introduce the game to your child or students.
Once you see how simple it is, you’ll be ready to print your game, cut out the pieces, and start matching!
Tips for Using This Pattern Matching Activity
When you’re first introducing the game, start with just one pattern card.
Give kids plenty of time to look at the card and compare it with their school bus.
Try not to rush in and fix mistakes immediately. Sometimes kids just need a few extra seconds to notice that something isn’t quite right.
You can also talk about the shapes and colors as you play, but there’s no need to ask questions constantly.
The goal is for the activity to still feel like a game!
And don’t worry if your child wants to complete the same pattern several times. Repeating an activity can help kids become more familiar and confident with it.
Make the Pattern Matching Activity Easier
If your child is having trouble completing the patterns, you can simplify the game.
Instead of putting all the shape pieces on the table, only give them a few options.
You could also work through the pattern one space at a time. Point to one of the shapes on the pattern card and ask, “Can you find this shape?”
Once they find it, help them figure out which window it belongs in.
As they become more confident, gradually give them more pieces to choose from.
Make It More Challenging
If the basic game becomes too easy, there are plenty of ways to add another challenge.
For example, let your child study a pattern card for a few seconds. Then turn the card over!
See how many shapes they can put in the correct positions from memory.
You could also cut out the pattern cards into individual shape pieces and make your own patterns.
Another fun idea is to let kids create their own arrangement on the school bus. Have someone else study it and try to copy it.
The school bus windows are also great for practicing positional vocabulary.
Use words such as above, below, next to, left, right, top, bottom, and middle.
You might ask, “What shape is underneath the star?” or “Which shape is in the top middle window?”
How to Store Your Printable Game
With lots of little pieces involved, you’ll definitely want somewhere to keep everything together!
A resealable bag is probably the easiest option.
You can also use a pencil pouch, envelope, small plastic container, or classroom task box.
If you’re using several printable Back to School Activities, label each bag or container so the little pieces don’t get mixed together.
For a classroom, you could also attach an envelope or small storage pouch to the back of the laminated school bus page.
Get the School Bus Shape Pattern Matching Printable
Want to try this activity with your kids or students?
I’ve put together the complete School Bus Shape Pattern Matching game as a printable download, so you don’t have to make all of the pieces and pattern cards yourself.
Simply download the file, print the pages, cut out the pieces, and you’re ready to play.
If you think your kids would enjoy this Shape and pattern matching activity, you can grab the printable and add it to your Back to School Activities this year!
GET THE SCHOOL BUS SHAPE PATTERN MATCHING GAME
