Ping Pong Patterns

This activity is a craft project and a math workshop all in one! Use colored ping-pong balls to encourage your child to imitate, extend, and create patterns. Your child will develop her counting skills and spatial awareness as she creates original designs.

What You Need:

• 12 ping-pong balls
• 1 egg carton
• Red and blue high-gloss enamel paint
• Basket

What to Do:

1. Paint one side of six of the ping-pong balls red, creating red and white balls.
2. Paint one side of the other six ping-pong balls blue, creating blue and white balls.
3. Set the ping-pong balls paint side up in the egg carton while the paint dries.
4. When the paint has dried, put all 12 ping-pong balls in the basket.
5. Start a simple pattern by placing ping-pong balls in the egg carton slots with one color (red, white, or blue) showing on each ball. Ask your child to continue the pattern.
6. Now ask your child to create her own pattern!

Once your child has mastered solid-colored patterns, try more complicated patterns with the two-toned ping-pong balls. The possibilities are endless, and can be very artistic!