Dinosaur Pattern Block Mats

If your little ones are fascinated by dinosaurs, you’re going to love these dinosaur pattern block mats! These printables are an easy, low-prep way to combine hands-on learning with imaginative fun.

Whether you’re working on a dinosaur unit in your homeschool, teaching a preschool classroom, or simply looking for an educational quiet-time activity, these dinosaur pattern block mats are a perfect fit. Not only are they fun and visually engaging, but they also support key early childhood development skills—making them a great addition to any early learning toolkit.

Related: Dinosaur Egg Bath Bombs

What Are Pattern Blocks?

Pattern blocks are a classic early learning tool made up of colorful geometric shapes like triangles, hexagons, squares, trapezoids, and rhombuses. They are often made of plastic or wood and are designed to fit together in a variety of ways. Kids use these shapes to build pictures, explore symmetry, and discover how shapes work together.

These blocks are commonly used in preschool and kindergarten homeschools and classrooms to help introduce basic geometry and encourage hands-on learning through play. Pattern blocks are especially popular for use with printable mats (get the dinosaur-themed ones below), which guide children in placing the shapes to complete a picture or design.

Benefits of Pattern Blocks for Preschoolers

Pattern blocks aren’t just for fun (although, that’s what we went kids to think)—they offer a wide range of developmental benefits for young learners. First and foremost, they help children recognize and name basic shapes and colors. As kids match blocks to a mat or create their own designs, they build spatial awareness and begin to understand how shapes fit together to form a whole.

Using pattern blocks also helps strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as children grasp, rotate, and place the pieces accurately. The activity encourages focus, patience, and perseverance—skills that carry over into other areas of learning. Plus, because the blocks are open-ended, they allow room for creativity and problem-solving, making them a perfect combination of structured learning and imaginative play.

Printable Dinosaur Pattern Block Mats

This printable set of dinosaur pattern block mats includes a fun variety of ten dinosaurs for your child to build using traditional pattern blocks. Each mat features a dinosaur design made up of geometric shapes that children match and build using their own pattern blocks.

The designs are simple enough for young learners to complete independently or with minimal help. The mats can be printed in full color (a black and white version is also included) for easy matching, or you can laminate them for durability and reuse. If you’re looking for a mess-free, screen-free activity that combines learning and fun, these dinosaur mats are a great option.

Because the printables are open-ended and reusable (especially when laminated), they’re perfect for centers, morning baskets, or quiet time activities at home.

Printable dinosaur pattern block mats are a win-win for both kids and adults. Children are naturally drawn to the colorful shapes and fun dinosaur themes, while parents and teachers appreciate the educational value and easy prep. They’re also a fantastic resource for teaching through play, which is one of the most effective ways young children learn.

Plus, they’re an ideal option when you need a quiet-time activity that isn’t screen-based. Whether you’re looking to reinforce shape recognition, fine motor development, or just provide a fun, independent activity, these mats offer plenty of benefits without needing a complicated setup.

Ideas for Using the Dinosaur Pattern Block Mats

Here are a few simple ways to make the most of these printable mats:

• Add them to a dinosaur-themed unit. Pair the mats with dinosaur books, toy dinosaurs, and fossil dig activities to create a complete learning experience.
  
• Use them during quiet time. These mats keep little hands busy and minds focused while giving you a few peaceful minutes.
  
• Laminate and reuse. Laminate each mat to make them more durable. Kids can use them again and again without wear and tear.
  
• Encourage creativity. Once your child has completed the shape-matching activity, challenge them to build their own dinosaur design using pattern blocks.
  
• Incorporate vocabulary. While your child plays, talk about the different shapes they’re using, the names of the dinosaurs, and even count the number of blocks they place.

These mats are a wonderful blend of structure and creativity—your child can follow the design exactly or use the shapes as inspiration for their own prehistoric creatures.

Related: Playdough Shape Worksheets

Dinosaur pattern block mats are a playful and effective way to combine learning with one of kids’ favorite topics—dinosaurs! This printable set is a fun addition to any preschool or early elementary classroom, homeschool lesson, or quiet-time routine.

With no prep required beyond printing (and maybe laminating), these mats offer a quick and easy solution for keeping your little learner engaged, focused, and having fun while learning essential skills.