Shapes are everywhere in the world, just waiting to be discovered. Encourage your child to learn about shapes with these helpful tips.
- Page through a kid-friendly book or magazine with your child. If there are any balls or circular objects, point them out and say, “That’s a circle!.” Do this with squares, rectangles, stars, and other common shapes.
- Play outside with chalk. Draw different shapes with your child and name them. Turn it into a game as your child gets the hang of naming the shapes drawn. Have her draw shapes along with you as well.
- Create a shape-scape. Collect three-dimensional objects such as cans, boxes, balls, and cartons. Have your child build with these supplies, commenting on the shapes of the various building supplies. Count the number of shapes used.
- Have your child dip three-dimensional objects into washable paints and press them onto a blank piece of paper. See which shapes different materials make. Use drinking glasses and cans to make circles and blocks or boxes to make squares and rectangles
- When in the car or on a walk outside, point out the different shapes that make up buildings and houses. Some things to look for can include manhole covers, flags, windows, signs, squares of sidewalk, and other distinct shapes.
- There are a lot of books about shapes that encourage the discovery of shapes in the world. Check out your local library’s children’s section or ask the librarian for suggestions.
Resources:
National Association for the Education of Young Children