Looking for fun holiday games for kids? We’ve got you covered with these free printable block pattern cards!
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It’s that time of year! Santa’s elves are working tirelessly to finish making, wrapping and shuffling all of this year’s gifts into his sleigh.
Last week, we inspired some gross motor movement with our present stacking Christmas game. It was perfect for promoting core strength, balance, and social skills. We thought we would just continue on the present theme so you could hit some fine and visual motor skills, too!
What you need:
-These printable block pattern cards (cut them out into individual strips and laminate for durability) – scroll down to the form.
-Blocks – these can be colored cubes or Lego® Bricks
What to do:
1 || Scatter your blocks (presents) all over the play space on the floor. Give each child a present card and have them notice the pattern. Tell them that Santa needs his presents stacked in the exact way shown on the card so he can deliver them to the right houses!
Have kids copy the pattern using their blocks, picking up the presents one at a time and stacking them so they are ready to go on Santa’s sleigh!
2 || Once they have completed the present stack, ask them to double check the pattern by repeating it out loud and comparing it to the stack shown on the card.
3 || Have them use those super fine motor skills to break apart their stacks of presents to try a new card.\
How to change it up:
-Change the intensity of the fine motor and hand strengthening workout by using different blocks. Lego® Bricks will prove to be the most challenging for hand strength while 1” wooden blocks will require a bit more fine motor control.
-If one present card is too easy, add another. See if the kids can finish one pattern and move right into the next without messing up the different patterns.
-Movement can be infused into just about any fine motor activity (ok, it might be hard with handwriting but I think most physical therapists would be up for that challenge :). Have kids hop, skip or jump to retrieve each “present” in their pattern.
-Make it a cutting activity instead! Have kids snip strips of colored paper into small squares. These little squares become the presents! Have kids stack them in the correct order of each patterning card!
Other Fun Holiday Activities for Kids
Snipped Up Christmas Trees [FREE Printable]
Kids will love this simple snipping craft and therapists/teachers will love that it comes with a ready-to-use printable!
Taped Up Christmas Tree [FREE Printable]
These colorful trees would make the cutest decoration for your bulletin board or windows!
Gingerbread Passing Game
Get moving with a fun gross motor game that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Gingerbread Cutting Craft [FREE Printable]
Another easy-to-use free printable that is a great option for young kids who are just learning to use scissors.
DIY Gifts That Kids Can Make
Our top picks for gifts that kids can make themselves for family, friends, and loved ones!
