In a world full of flashy gadgets and noisy electronics, there’s something refreshingly simple yet incredibly powerful about toys like Squigz. These colorful, flexible, suction-based toys might look like just another playtime distraction, but they’re actually packed with learning potential. From fine motor development to pattern recognition, Squigz open up a world of hands-on exploration that helps children grow in more ways than we might think.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at what makes Squigz so special, how they help with different areas of development, and why playing with patterns—yes, even just lining up different colors—is a big deal in early childhood learning.
What Are Squigz?
Squigz are small, flexible construction toys with suction cups at one or both ends. They stick to each other and to smooth surfaces like windows, tables, tiles, and even bathtubs. Kids can bend them, stack them, stretch them, and pop them apart. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and bright colors, making them both fun and visually stimulating.
But what really sets Squigz apart is how they turn simple play into opportunities for meaningful learning—without kids even realizing they’re working on important skills.
Fine Motor Development
One of the biggest benefits of playing with Squigz is the improvement of fine motor skills. Children use the small muscles in their fingers and hands to stick, pull, twist, and hold the Squigz. These actions help build the strength and coordination needed for everyday tasks like writing, cutting, buttoning clothes, and tying shoelaces.
Squigz also support hand-eye coordination, as kids place them in specific positions or try to recreate patterns from flashcards or their own imagination.
Sensory Play and Focus
Squigz are excellent for sensory play. Their texture is smooth and rubbery, and the “pop” sound they make when pulled apart is both fun and satisfying. These sensory experiences help ch ildren, especially toddlers and those with sensory processing needs, to explore the world in a safe and engaging way.
Playing with Squigz also encourages focus and attention. When kids are challenged to build a shape, copy a pattern, or balance one piece on another, they must pay attention and think critically, which boosts their problem-solving abilities.
Why Patterns Matter in Early Learning
You might think, “It’s just a color pattern—what’s the big deal?” But for children, recognizing and creating patterns is a major milestone in both math and cognitive development.
Patterns teach kids how to:
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Predict what comes next (early math thinking)
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Organize and make sense of information
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Develop memory and logic
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Understand relationships between things
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Build sequencing skills, which are important for reading and storytelling later
With Squigz, you can introduce patterns in a fun, hands-on way. Kids can recreate patterns shown on flashcards or make up their own. Either way, they’re learning through play.
Types of Patterns and Their Importance
Let’s break down some common pattern types and how they help with different learning goals:
1. AB Pattern (Alternating Pattern)
Example: Blue – Red – Blue – Red – Blue
Why it matters:
This is usually the first type of pattern young children learn. It teaches the concept of repetition and helps children predict what comes next. It’s also great for color recognition.
With Squigz: Kids can line up two colors and keep alternating them. You can ask, “What comes next?” to encourage them to think ahead.
2. AAB Pattern
Example: Green – Green – Yellow – Green – Green – Yellow
Why it matters:
A bit more complex than AB, this pattern helps children learn that some things repeat more often than others. It’s an early intro to skip counting and even grouping.
With Squigz: This pattern challenges kids to use the same color more than once before switching—great for memory and visual sequencing.
3. ABC Pattern
Example: Purple – Orange – Blue – Purple – Orange – Blue
Why it matters:
ABC patterns introduce three repeating elements. This helps with more advanced recognition and memory skills. It also lays a foundation for understanding cycles and more complex sequences.
With Squigz: Use three different colors and encourage kids to match the full pattern. Add a challenge by asking them to change the order or create a backward version.
4. Stacking Patterns
Example: Red on Blue, Blue on Red, Red on Blue
Why it matters:
This involves not just color but also spatial awareness and directionality. Kids learn how to follow vertical orders and relationships between objects.
With Squigz: Have kids stack one color on top of another and repeat it. You can also use different shapes for even more complexity.
5. Mirror Patterns (Symmetry)
Example: Green – Orange – Blue – Blue – Orange – Green
Why it matters:
Mirror patterns build an understanding of symmetry and balance. These skills are essential for math, design, and even biology later on.
With Squigz: Kids build half the pattern, and you challenge them to complete the other side as a mirror image.
6. Size Patterns
Example: Big – Small – Big – Small
Why it matters:
Understanding size differences is important for early math (measurement, comparisons) and classification skills.
With Squigz: If you have different-sized Squigz, ask children to sort and create size-based patterns. You can also add color for a dual-challenge.
7. Shape Patterns
Example: Circle – Star – Circle – Star
Why it matters:
Learning to recognize and repeat shapes helps kids with early geometry concepts and visual memory.
With Squigz: Use different-shaped Squigz and arrange them into repeating patterns. Ask, “What shape comes next?” to spark prediction.
8. Creative Patterns
Example: A Squigz dinosaur or rocket
Why it matters:
When kids create their own patterns, they’re using imagination and critical thinking together. This builds both confidence and creativity.
With Squigz: Challenge children to “build a monster” or “copy this spaceship” using specific colors or shapes.
Using Squigz in Everyday Learning
The great thing about Squigz is they’re flexible—literally and educationally. You can use them in so many ways:
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In the classroom for pattern matching, math centers, or group challenges
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At home during quiet time, sensory breaks, or play dates
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In therapy sessions for children who need help with fine motor skills, focus, or sensory input
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On the go—they stick to airplane windows, car trays, and bathroom tiles!
Flashcards Make It Even Better
One of the best ways to take Squigz play to the next level is with pattern flashcards. These visual cues give children a guide to follow, copy, and extend. They help kids focus, follow instructions, and work independently.
Our flashcards titled “Can You Copy This Pattern?” include all the types of patterns listed above, along with pictures and fun challenges. Kids will love figuring out what comes next, stacking their Squigz just right, or building wild creatures from a visual prompt.
Learning Through Play: Why It Works
Children learn best when they’re engaged, active, and having fun. Squigz offer all of this in one simple toy. They bring together sensory input, fine motor work, creativity, and early math skills—all without screens or pressure.
And when you add pattern-building into the mix, you’re giving your child tools that go far beyond playtime. These early pattern skills connect to reading, writing, and math success down the road. They build the brain pathways kids need to solve problems, recognize sequences, and make sense of the world around them.
Squigz toys may be small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to child development. With their bright colors, satisfying suction, and endless play possibilities, they’re a favorite for parents, teachers, and therapists alike.
By adding pattern flashcards and playful challenges, you can help your child explore essential learning concepts in a hands-on, low-stress way. Whether they’re lining up a rainbow AB pattern or building a dinosaur with symmetrical legs, they’re not just playing—they’re learning.
So go ahead, hand your child a few Squigz, and ask: “Can you copy this pattern?”
You’ll be surprised at how much learning happens—one suction pop at a time.
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