Copy a Christmas block pattern, then change one colour

Give each player a small set

Find six red and six green blocks of the same size, using pieces from a set your child already plays with. Each person gets three of each colour. Choose two other clearly different colours if those are available. Large, equal paper squares can replace the blocks; you still need six of each colour in total. Follow the manufacturer’s age guidance, choose pieces appropriate for everyone joining in and supervise young children.

For a shorter game, copy a row of two blocks or place the first matching block together. Return to four only if the child wants another turn.

Sit beside each other at one edge of the table. If helpful, put two plain paper mats side by side, one for the model and one for the copy. This shared viewing direction matters: the row nearest you must mean the same row to both players.

Copy what is actually there

The model maker uses four blocks in a single layer, with two blocks in each row. Put red then green in the far row, reading from left to right. Put green then red in the near row. Leave the two unused blocks beside the mat as spares.

The other player makes a copy on the second mat while the model stays visible. This is not a memory round. Choose one position to start with, then match the other three. Pointing is enough; naming every colour is optional.

Compare the near rows, then the far rows. Check both colour and position. Two red and two green blocks in different positions do not yet match this model. If a block needs moving, leave time to move it rather than rebuilding the whole copy for the child.

Change exactly one position

Once the arrangements match, the model maker replaces one green block with the spare red block. Keep that position in place and leave the other three blocks alone. Put the removed green block beside the mat.

The copying player finds the changed position and uses their own spare red block to match it. Compare again. There should now be three red blocks and one green block on each mat.

For another turn, swap jobs. The new model maker can start a fresh arrangement using their six pieces. Keep both mats facing the same way and leave the new model visible.

End after one successful copy

One completed copy is a useful stopping point; the change round is optional.

When you finish, return the pieces to their usual box. The model can disappear without losing a craft that somebody expected to keep.