Colour x dot pattern (4x4): Lantern festival

Colour x number pattern (4x4): Lantern Festival - practise colours, number patterns and logical sorting.

Welcome to the cheerful Lantern Festival! In this interactive matrix activity for preschool children, colourful lanterns are sorted in a double-entry table. The task is clear and challenging: drag each image to the correct cell of the 4x4 matrix while paying attention to both the colour and the number pattern.

The rows focus on four colours: red, yellow, green and blue. In the columns, children recognise the dice patterns 1, 2, 3 and 4. To find the correct cell, preschoolers therefore have to combine two attributes. For example, a red lantern with three dots belongs where the red row intersects with the column showing the dice pattern for 3.

By sorting images according to two attributes, preschoolers learn step by step how to work with a double-entry table. They practise logical thinking, comparing, classifying and targeted searching. At the same time, they discover that one image can have several properties and that both attributes are needed to determine the correct position in the matrix.

This 4x4 matrix activity also supports early mathematical development. Preschoolers practise recognising colours, number patterns and quantities up to 4. The dice patterns help children recognise quantities quickly without having to count every dot separately each time. In this way, they playfully develop their number sense and visual recognition of quantities.

Language development also receives plenty of attention in this free educational app. The activity includes clear spoken instructions and auditory support. Children hear words and concepts related to colours, numbers, quantities, rows, columns and position. By looking, listening, thinking and acting at the same time, they practise new vocabulary in a meaningful way.

Working with a double-entry table also develops spatial awareness and visual discrimination. Preschoolers learn to look systematically at the row and column, recognise similarities and differences, and combine information from two directions. These skills provide an important foundation for later mathematical activities, diagrams and tables.

Thanks to the simple drag-and-drop controls, children also practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. The free app is suitable for use on tablets, computers, interactive whiteboards and other digital learning environments.

This educational matrix activity is ideal for preschool teachers, support teachers, parents and caregivers looking for a playful way to work on double-entry tables, sorting by two attributes, colour recognition, number patterns up to 4, dice patterns, logical thinking, number sense, visual discrimination, vocabulary and digital literacy.

Let preschoolers drag the colourful lanterns to the correct position and discover how a festive 4x4 matrix becomes a challenging activity involving observation, comparison, counting and logical reasoning.

In the online logbook, parents and teachers can easily check afterwards which apps were used and which results were achieved.

Learning goals

• Logical and mathematical thinking
  • Compare objects and images based on observable properties.
  • Recognize and distinguish properties such as color, shape, size, pattern, object, character, emotion, orientation and direction of movement.
  • Classify and organize images based on one or more characteristics.
  • Recognize and use similarities and differences between images to make a choice.
  • Take two criteria into account simultaneously: a row criterion and a column criterion.
  • Determine which image matches the combination of two given properties.
  • Establish logical relationships between row criteria, column criteria and the corresponding cells of a table.
  • Systematically examine and complete a double-entry table.
  • Solve a simple mathematical problem by comparing, combining and applying information.
  • Check a chosen solution based on the given properties.
  • Handle increasing complexity in 2 × 2, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 tables.
• Classifying and organizing
  • Group images based on a common characteristic.
  • Take more than one property into account when organizing images.
  • Select an image that belongs to both a specific row and a specific column.
  • Recognize that one image can have multiple properties at the same time.
  • Distinguish relevant characteristics from characteristics that are not important for the task.
  • Adjust a classification when a different criterion is used.
• Spatial orientation and structuring
  • Navigate within a grid with rows, columns and individual cells.
  • Understand the relationship between a row, a column and their intersection.
  • Place an image in the correct position within a two-dimensional structure.
  • Purposefully compare and distinguish positions within a grid.
  • Functionally use and understand concepts such as above, below, left, right, row, column and cell.
  • Navigate a visual structure clearly and systematically.
• Number sense
  • Recognize and distinguish concrete quantities.
  • Match quantities with appropriate number representations or numerals when these are used as a criterion.
  • Relate different representations of the same quantity to one another.
  • Compare and classify number representations, numerals and concrete quantities.
  • Use numerical properties as a criterion within a double-entry table.
• Visual perception and pattern recognition
  • Focus on characteristics of images and distinguish details from one another.
  • Visually recognize and compare shapes, colors, sizes, patterns and orientations.
  • Recognize regularity and recurring characteristics within rows and columns.
  • Analyze visual information to determine which image belongs in a particular position.
  • Focus attention on multiple visual characteristics simultaneously.
• Language development
  • Expand vocabulary related to properties such as color, shape, size, pattern, direction, quantity and position.
  • Understand concepts used to describe similarities and differences.
  • Understand simple oral instructions related to classifying, comparing and placing.
  • Name and describe properties of objects and images.
  • Explain why an image belongs to a particular combination of characteristics.
  • Functionally use mathematical concepts such as row, column, cell, same, different, larger, smaller, above, below, left and right.
• Problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Approach a task step by step and use an appropriate problem-solving strategy.
  • Examine the characteristics before placing an image.
  • Check a choice based on both criteria.
  • Recognize an error and adjust a solution when an image does not meet both conditions.
  • Analyze and solve a double-entry table with increasing independence.
  • Maintain attention and concentration during a multi-step task.
• Digital literacy
  • Use a digital application purposefully.
  • Perform drag-and-drop actions to place images in the correct cell of a grid.
  • Use digital feedback to check a solution and adjust it if necessary.
  • Work independently or with guidance on an interactive mathematical exercise.
• Motor development
  • Practice fine motor skills by purposefully dragging and dropping images.
  • Strengthen hand-eye coordination when using a mouse, touchscreen or interactive whiteboard.
  • Accurately place an image within a defined cell of a grid.
  • Act purposefully and with control within a digital environment.

QR code

You can use the downloadable QR code below to navigate directly to this app.