Shape learning is included in the 2 & 3 Year Curricula to aid in the introducing of shapes, as well as strengthen fine motor skills through craft activities.
• Cut toast or pancake into various shapes.
• Shape Pumpkin (Adapted from Mrs. E)
• SWAT!
Place a few different items on table (sight words, letters, numbers, colors, shapes, whatever you're working on) then give the kids a *clean* fly swatter , call out an item and they get to hit it! I tried playing with both my boys together but it was better doing it individually at their age. Keep those over zealous swatters in line with rules like "swatters UP!" when they found their target and then only let them hit it one time and hold it there for a second. Idea from Jen.
• Using play dough or cookie dough, cut various shapes using shape cookie cutters or a knife.
• Find shapes in everyday objects. Examples to include in your conversations - "Please open the rectangular door" or "What shape is this orange?"
• Draw ¾ of a shape and have the child finish the shape.
• Create shapes out of tinker toys or blocks, place on the ground, and throw bean bags into the "called" shape. (Thank you to Dina for this idea.)
• Pretzel Shapes
Use pretzel sticks (or toothpicks) and marshmallows (large works best) to make an oval, heart, rectangle, triangle, circle, square, star, and diamond. Poke the ends of the pretzels (or toothpick) into the marshmallows to hold the shape together.
• Shape Family
Create a shape family by making the shape out of construction paper. Accordion-fold long, thin pieces of paper to form legs and arms. Glue to the shape. Add a face with the shape for the eyes and nose. May also add shoes, hands, hair, or other accessories. (Thank you to Dina for helping to create this idea.)
• Shape Creatures
Create a shape creatures by making the shape out of construction paper. Accordion-fold long, thin pieces of paper to form legs and arms. Glue to the shape. Add a creature face with the googly eyes, and shapes for the eyes and nose. May also add shoes, hands, hair, or other accessories. (Thank you to Barbi for sharing this image and idea.)
- Use with Shape Walks (used in the 2 Year Curriculum)
- Print two copies and play Memory
- Make four copies and play Go Fish
- Play hide and seek
- Mix with Color Flashcards for extra learning and fun
Shape Activity and Coloring Poster:
Combined Shape Activity and Coloring Posters:
Learn Colors and Shapes - For toddlers
Purpy's Shapes - This computer game is more advanced but very good for preschoolers.
Click to discover shape songs, activities, worksheets, and learning for individual shapes.
- Use with Shape Walks (used in the 2 Year Curriculum)
- Print two copies and play Memory
- Make four copies and play Go Fish
- Play hide and seek
- Mix with Color Flashcards for extra learning and fun
Shape Activity and Coloring Poster:
Combined Shape Activity and Coloring Posters:
Learn Colors and Shapes - For toddlers
Purpy's Shapes - This computer game is more advanced but very good for preschoolers.