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22 Exciting Tessellation Activities For Kids

March 7, 2023 //  by Kaluki Kaluku

Tessellation is a fascinating mathematical concept that has been used in art for centuries. It’s the art of creating a pattern by repeating a shape in a way that covers a surface without any gaps or overlaps. This activity is not only enjoyable but also promotes critical thinking, creativity, and spatial reasoning skills. For these reasons, we’ve sourced 22 fun tessellation projects for kids that will keep them engaged for hours! 

1. Paper Tessellations

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Create intricate and beautiful designs by folding and cutting paper into repeated shapes that fit together without any gaps or overlaps. This activity is a fun way to explore geometry and patterns using simple materials like paper and scissors.

Learn More: @anuorigami

2. Geometric Animal Tessellations

Combine art and math by creating animal-shaped tessellations. These tessellations are made by repeating animal shapes that fit seamlessly together. This activity promotes creativity and spatial reasoning skills by encouraging kids to explore different shapes and patterns.

Learn More: What do We do All Day

3. Mosaic Tessellations

Use small pieces of paper or tiles to create a mosaic-style tessellation. This activity requires patience and precision as kids carefully arrange the pieces to create a repeating pattern. Mosaic tessellations can be made in a variety of shapes and colors; making them a great way to explore color theory and design!

Learn More: Roylco

4. Shape Hunt Tessellations 

Go on a shape hunt and identify shapes that can be used to create a tessellation. This activity promotes observation and critical thinking skills as kids look for shapes in their surroundings that can be combined to create repeating patterns.

Learn More: Top-Notch Teaching

5. Lego Tessellations

Use Lego blocks to create unique tessellations. This activity promotes creativity and spatial reasoning by encouraging kids to experiment with different Lego shapes and colors to create a striking pattern.

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

6. Tangram Tessellations

Use tangram pieces to create a tessellation. Tangrams are traditional Chinese puzzles made using seven geometric shapes that can be combined to form a square. This activity promotes creativity and problem-solving skills as kids experiment with different ways to fit the shapes together to create a repeating pattern.

Learn More: Fun Easy Learning Videos For Kids

7. Pattern Blocks Tessellations

Use pattern blocks to create tessellations. Pattern blocks are a set of geometric shapes that can be used to create a variety of designs.

Learn More: Marcial Miller

8. Foam Shapes Tessellations

Use foam shapes to create a tessellation. This activity is a fun and tactile way to explore geometry and patterns using soft, colorful foam shapes that can be easily arranged and rearranged to create different visual stimuli. 

Learn More: My Bored Toddler

9. Sticker Tessellations

Try using stickers to create a captivating motif! This activity promotes creativity and fine motor skills as kids carefully arrange their stickers to create a pattern of irregular shapes.  

Learn More: Laughing Kids Learn

10. Mixed Media Tessellations

Use a combination of materials such as paper, stickers, and foam shapes to create a mixed media tessellation. This activity promotes creativity and experimentation as kids explore different ways to combine materials to create varied figures. 

Learn More: Lindsey Miska

11. Symmetrical Tessellations

Create a symmetrical tessellation using one shape. This activity promotes symmetry and pattern recognition skills as kids experiment with different ways to combine shapes to create identical shapes that are symmetrical from a central point.

Learn More: What Do We Do All Day

12. 3D Tessellations

Create a 3D tessellation using cubes or other 3D shapes. This activity promotes spatial reasoning skills as kids experiment with different ways to fit 3D shapes together to create a striking pattern.

Learn More: BrielY

13. Textile Tessellations

Create a textile tessellation using fabric scraps and ink. Call upon your kid’s creative side and help them develop sewing skills with this fun activity. 

Learn More: Jamie Mason

14. Nature-Inspired Tessellations

Look to nature for inspiration and create a tessellation using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, or rocks. This activity promotes observation and critical thinking skills as kids look for patterns in nature that can then be recreated on paper. 

Learn More: Frugal Fun for Boys

15. Fractal Tessellations

Create a fractal tessellation using geometric patterns that get smaller and smaller as they are repeated. This activity promotes an understanding of fractals and the underlying mathematical principles that govern their creation.

Learn More: Study.com

16. Shaded Tessellations

Create a tessellation using shading techniques to add depth and dimension to the design. This activity promotes an understanding of light and shadow and teaches learners how these two elements can be used to create the illusion of depth in a 2D design.

Learn More: Art With Mrs. Seitz

17. Origami Tessellations

Create a tessellation using origami techniques to fold and manipulate paper. This task encourages patience and precision as kids carefully fold and crease paper to create repetitive patterns.

Learn More: happyfolding.com

18. Digital Tessellations

Use digital tools such as graphic design software or online tessellation generators to create a tessellation. This activity promotes digital literacy and computer skills as kids learn how to use digital tools to create art.

Learn More: Creativity Cornucopia

19. Mixed Reality Tessellations

Use augmented or virtual reality to create a tessellation in a mixed-reality environment. This activity promotes an understanding of emerging technologies and how they can be used to create art. Students will love immersing themselves in an other-worldly experience! 

Learn More: Pinterest

20. Collaborative Tessellations

Work with a group to create a large-scale, collaborative tessellation. This activity promotes teamwork and cooperation as kids work together to create a complex and multi-layered design. Students can color their patterns of shapes using crayons and then glue them into place alongside other peers’ work. 

Learn More: Frugal Fun for Boys

21. Interactive Tessellations

Create a tessellation that can be manipulated or transformed in some way. This activity promotes an understanding of interactive design and how it can be used to create engaging art experiences.

Learn More: Love2Learn2day

22. Upcycled Tessellations

Create a tessellation using upcycled materials such as cardboard, paper tubes, or plastic bottles. This activity promotes an understanding of sustainability and how we can use materials that might otherwise be discarded to create art.

Learn More: Pink Stripey Socks

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