M&M Patterns: A Fun Hands-On Math Activity for Kids

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Learning math becomes so much more exciting when candy is involved! These M&M patterns activities are a delicious way to practice early math skills with preschoolers and elementary-aged kids.

We discovered a wonderful book at the library called The M&M Counting Book, and it inspired us to do all sorts of fun (and yummy) M&M math activities. From sorting and counting to creating colorful patterns, these little candies are surprisingly versatile learning tools.

One warning: be prepared for a few M&Ms to mysteriously disappear during the lesson!

Why Teach Patterns?

Recognizing and creating patterns is an important early math skill. Patterns help children learn to:

• Predict what comes next
• Develop logical thinking skills
• Strengthen observation skills
• Build a foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts

Using manipulatives like M&Ms makes abstract ideas much more concrete and engaging.

M&M Patterns Activity

This printable set of M&M pattern cards encourages children to recreate and extend colorful patterns using candy.

The cards include a variety of levels, making them suitable for a wide range of learners.

Younger Learners Can Practice:

• AB patterns (red, blue, red, blue)
• AAB patterns
• ABC patterns
• Color recognition
• One-to-one correspondence

Older Learners Can Practice:

• More complex repeating patterns
• Pattern extension
• Problem-solving skills
• Simple addition challenges included on select cards

Supplies Needed

• M&Ms candies
• Printable M&M Pattern Cards
• Small bowls or trays (optional)

If you need a peanut-free or dye-free alternative, you can substitute:

• Colored pom-poms
• Buttons
• Mini erasers
• Colored paper circles
• Other colorful candies your family prefers

How to Use the M&M Pattern Cards

1. Choose a Pattern Card

Begin with a simpler pattern for younger children and work toward more challenging designs as confidence grows.

2. Recreate the Pattern

Use M&Ms to match the pattern shown on the card.

Encourage children to say the pattern aloud as they build it:

“Red, blue, red, blue…”

3. Predict What Comes Next

Pause before completing the pattern and ask:

• What color comes next?
• How do you know?
• Can you make your own pattern?

4. Eat the Evidence!

After the learning is finished, kids can enjoy their colorful math manipulatives as a special treat.

More Ways to Use M&Ms for Math

M&Ms are perfect for so many hands-on learning activities!

Try using them to practice:

Sorting and Graphing

Sort the candies by color and create a simple graph.

Counting

Count by ones, twos, fives, or tens.

Addition and Subtraction

Solve math problems using M&Ms as manipulatives.

Probability

Predict which color you think you’ll pull next and compare results.

Fractions

Explore concepts such as halves, thirds, and fourths using different colored groups.

Inspired by The M&M Counting Book

One of the things I love about The M&M Counting Book is that it turns math into play. Children can practice counting, patterning, and simple operations while interacting with a familiar treat.

The edition we originally used featured the older tan M&Ms instead of blue ones! Depending on which version you find, the colors may vary a little, but the learning opportunities remain the same.

Want More Candy Math Activities?

If your kids love learning with food as much as mine do, be sure to check out these other sweet math ideas:

• Skittles Math Activities
• Hershey’s Fractions
• Gummy Bear Math

Learning really is more fun when it tastes delicious!

Grab the M&M Pattern Cards

Ready to make math a little sweeter?

These printable M&M pattern cards are available in my shop and are a fun addition to math centers, homeschool lessons, workboxes, or rainy-day learning activities.

Kids will be having so much fun with their candy that they won’t even realize they’re practicing important math skills!

Grab this printable in my shop!