Getting to Know The Shapes
What you need:
I Know My Shapes Cards printables
Shapes Poster Cards
Shapes printable
Craft paper
Craft foam
Hole punch
Glue
Double-sided tape
Learning Goals and Standards:
Identify and name 2D shapes (triangle, circle, square, rectangle, oval, rhombus)
Recognize shapes in the environment.
Create original works of art using the shapes.
Preparation:
Print and cut out "I Know My Shapes Cards" and target shapes printables. Draw large circle shapes onto craft paper or craft foam and cut out. Before children enter the room "hide" the b/w Cyndia Circle shapes (one for each child) in the room. (They should be placed in plain view.)
Circle Shape Introduction Lesson
Show childeren the target Shape Poster Card.
Introduce and recite target shape rhyme: (example circle)
Circle
I’m Cynthia Circle, I’m nice and round
I have no corners - I just spin around!
(Draw circles with your finger.) I'm a circle!
Let children place the large craft paper shape on the floor. Ask children to name the shape. Together, look at and describe the shape. Ask: How many sides, corners does the shape have? Show children a picture of the shape in the enviroment.
Examples:
Circle - stop sign or dinner plate
Triangle - pizza slice
Square - toast, checkerboard
Rectangle - door
Oval - egg
Rhombus - kite
Let children walk around the room to find a Cynthia Circle shape. Invite children to color and cut out the shape. Attach double-sided tape to the back of the shape and tape it to their clothes.
Place the Shape Poster Card on the wall.
Extensions:
I Know My Shapes Card
Hand out a "I Know My Shapes" card to children. Instruct children to write their name on the card. After you have introduced a shape, have children find the shape on their card and color it.
Form the shape:
Depending on your target shape, hand out craft sticks or a pipe cleaner (circle, oval) to each child. Ask children to form the shape.
Walk the shape
Tape or use a rope to create a large shape. Let children walk along the shape.
Shape Lacing
Draw target shape on craft foam and cut out. Punch holes around the shape and attach a shoestring. Let children lace the shape.
Feel the Shape
Draw the shape on an index card. Use puff paint or glue to draw the outline of the shape. Attach to the wall. Let children trace the shape with their fingers.
Shape Play Dough Mat
Let children form the shape with play dough.
Shape Sorting
Let children sort different craft or foam shapes on the target shape mat.
Shape Art
Children create an artwork with the target shape.
Shape Tracing
Let children use different crayons or markers to trace the shapes:
See also our Shapes and Colors Workbook for more activities
Our Shapes and Colors activities and workbook is designed to complement hands-on learning activities by providing structured exercises that enhance shape and color recognition, fine motor skills, and cognitive development.
Take advantage of our limited time introduction price for our downloadable version (78 pages.) Get your PDF-workbook now for Only $5.80
