Do you have a set of bear counters? Even if you don’t, you can use these 25 free pattern strips with your preschooler!
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We’ve been doing a lot of math with our counting bears to go along with our exploration of the Letter B. Today I’m sharing a set of free printable bear pattern strips. My Four couldn’t resist!
Bear counter pattern strips for preschoolers
Last week I printed a set of free bear counter pattern strips that I found on Teachers Pay Teachers. As it turned out, most of the set was too challenging for my Four, and he quickly became frustrated. So I made my own!
I made five strips for each pattern. This way my Four would gain comfort and confidence with each pattern. I started with the simplest: ABAB.
AABBAABB was pretty easy as well.
AABAAB made him think a little bit more.
Here’s a set of ABBABB strips.
Finally, I created a set of ABCABC cards.
When he heard that I had more pattern strips for him, my Four’s first response was, “I’m not doing those!” But when he saw that I had cut them apart, laminated each strip, and put them on a metal ring, he was intrigued.
“Do you want to take these in the car on the way to pick your sister?”
“Okay!”
It was so fun to hear his high little voice from the back seat. “Red, yellow, red, yellow, red, yellow, RED!” And “BLUE green green, BLUE green green, BLUE!”
I was satisfied with my Four’s pattern practice in the van and decided not to push it by asking him to do the strips again for a picture ;). My oldest son, however, was happy to oblige after he returned home from his first morning at kindergarten.
If you don’t have counting bears, no problem! The last page of the printable has some bears you can cut out to use for completing the patterns.
Get more resources and printables!
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You might also like my truck pattern strips!
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Deceptively Educational says
This is the second amazing activity I’ve seen in the last few weeks that uses those adorable bears. My just-turned-5-year-old would LOVE them. Thanks for sharing this great printable! I can’t wait to use it with my youngest!
Anna Geiger says
You’re welcome – enjoy :)!
Suzie says
These are great!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Anna Geiger says
You’re welcome, Suzie!
Bekki says
Oh my goodness, these are so cute!
Andrea says
Thank you so much for your time and creativity! It is greatly appreciated – and my preschoolers love it!
Andrea
BlueCat says
Thank you very much! This will be very helpful.
Nathalie Garneau says
I just found your wonderful site and it makes my day. I am a first grade teacher et during the march break I will plastify and cut your wonderful activities. My student will be so happy and excited because I’m excited too. Excuse my English because I’m french. I live in Québec City in Canada.
Thank you for sharing your Wonderful work. I wish I got your talent!
Nathalie
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Nathalie! I used to teach first grade, and my sister is currently leaving in Canada (Orleans), so we have a few things in common. 🙂 Blessings on your teaching!
Maggie says
Thank you! I LOVE these! <3
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Maggie!
Andrea Harbuck says
Thanks for sharing your work. I just printed the teddy bear stuff and am excited to use it with my kids. I previously printed your truck patterns and my kids love that too. Thanks again! My kids tend to learn better with games so this is incredibly useful!
Anna Geiger says
I’m so glad you can use the counter strips, Andrea!
Nicholle says
Thank you. These are wonderful!
Anna Geiger says
Thank you, Nicholle!
Caroline says
This is a fantastic resource! Thank you so much for sharing!
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Caroline!
Shauna says
Hi! I would really like to print these bear patterns strips, but for some reason my computer will not open the pdf file. Is possible that you could please email me the file? I would really appreciate it! Thank You!
Anna Geiger says
Try these tips! One usually works. https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/
Shauna says
Thank you, Anna! Google Chrome did the trick!
Alva says
Thanks you so much for these!! Much appreciated.
Anna G says
You’re welcome, Alva!
Angie says
Thank you so much for this great freebie! It is perfect for my teddy bear theme.
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Angie!
sofi says
Thank you so much for this and more printables.
You are great mom and teacher.Love our thoughts.
Anna G says
You’re welcome, Sofi!
Adrienne says
My preschoolers will love these! Thank you!
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Adrienne!
elaine says
Thank you for the teddy bear AB pattern task card. Do you have other colors like the purple bear and orange bear worksheet
Anna G says
No, because we don’t have those colors in our set of counting bears. 🙂
Elaine says
Thank you so so much for the patterning card. Is there any other activity using the teddy bear counters as my students are really weak in patterning and one to one correspondence
Anna G says
This post has ideas!
https://www.themeasuredmom.com/math-with-counting-bears/
Cassandra Coleman says
Anna,
Thank you so much for sharing so many amazing resources. You are such a blessing!
Anna G says
You’re very welcome, Cassandra!