Bring math into the mix with some pattern play, geometry and number recognition. How? All through mosaic magic.
This kids’ art activity provides plenty of options, depending on your child’s age, interests and the concepts you are currently working on.
Math Mosaic Art
Before getting started, you’ll need …
- Card stock paper
- Scissors
- A paintbrush
- Cardboard
- Clear-drying school glue
- A pencil
While there are a few different options for this activity, they all start with making a base. Cut the cardboard into a shape. Your child can choose to make a square, rectangle, triangle, circle or organic (free-form)shape.
Pattern Mosaic Artwork
Cut the paper into dime-sized shapes. They don’t have to be circles, just a similar size. Choose at least two different colors.
Paint a wash of glue on the cardboard. Squeeze a small pool of the glue out and use the brush to spread it over the area. Have your child work in sections, so that the glue doesn’t dry before your child can add the paper.
Create a pattern with the colors. Press the paper shapes onto the glue, lining them up in a pattern such as yellow, green, yellow, green. Older kids can create more complex patterns, using multiple colors and making sophisticated designs.
Geometry Mosaic Artwork
Cut the paper into dime-sized shapes. Make as assortment of shapes, in two colors. Ask your child to name the shapes as he cuts them out.
Draw one large shape in the center of the cardboard.
Paint a wash of glue over the cardboard. Your child should still be able to see the pencil drawing underneath.
Glue one color set of shapes inside of the pencil lines and one outside.
Number Recognition Mosaic Artwork
Cut the paper into dime-sized shapes. Again, in two different colors. Draw a number (bubble-style) in the center of the cardboard.
Again, paint a wash of glue over the entire board. Glue one color of shapes inside the number and the other outside. Have your child count the shapes as he glues them down.
HINT: You can try variations of this activity, using a letters theme or even making animals. Have your child draw the design (whether it’s a letter, word or picture of something she’s studying right now) on the board before adding the mosaic on top!
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Erica Loop is a mom, parenting writer and educator with an MS in child development. When she's not teaching, she's busy writing kids' activities for her blog Mini Monets and Mommies. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram.
