In Early Years the introduction to shape is all about exploring and playing with different shapes to begin to understand and recognise their properties. When introducing shapes, try to allow children to see them in different orientations and sizes. As well as regular (all sides and angles equal), try and include varieties of triangles, hexagons, etc.
When introducing shapes it is just about learning their names. There is lots of opportunity to model communication and language with children, including properties and size descriptions. When making activities for the girls I often incorporate, colour matching and sorting too.
Below are 10 different ways to learn about shapes:
- SHAPE HUNT: This is a great way to begin to recognise shapes in different sizes and orientations. I made the shape spy glasses using play foam and lolly sticks. We took them out of a scooter ride for Emilia to find shapes.
2. SHAPE PLAY DOUGH: We love play dough trays because they give the opportunity to explore and learn through open ended play. As part of this tray, I made shapes stamps using cardboard and a glue gun.
3. SPONGE PRINTING: For this activity, I cut up lots of cheap sponge clothes into different shapes. Emilia then used them to make pictures when printing them with paint. This was great for discussing shape properties and shapes we see in the world.
4. PEG HEDGEHOG: I made this activity for Ottilie to practise colour matching and shape recognition. Peg activities are also great for developing hand muscle strength and fine motor skills.
5. SHAPE STICKY WALL: A sticky wall activity is always enjoyed with the girls. I cut up paper into different shapes and drew matching shapes on the back of the sticky back plastic before attaching to the wall with masking tape.
6. PATTERN PRINTING: This was a super quick set up for Emilia to work on repeating patterns. I used a small selection of our wooden building blocks for Emilia to print with. She enjoyed making different patterns including shape and colour.
7. PASS THE PARCEL: This is another favourite game for the girls and it can be easily adapted for numbers, letters, etc. I cut off scraps of paper and add a new shape to each layer. The girls played pass the parcel and each time they reveal a shape and sort it. It’s also a bit like a ‘feely bag’ when guessing what shape will be next by feeling the present.
8. SHAPE ROADS: I always think shape is an easy one to incorporate into your child’s interests. If your little one loves cars and all things with wheels, then this activity would be enjoyed. I made shapes into roads for Emilia to drive her cars in. I added paint too to encourage language linked to the properties of shapes – straight, curved, corner and side.
9. MATCH STICK BOARDS: These shapes were made out of a cardboard box. I then poked holes around the outside using a pencil. These can be used to put wooden sticks in or even threading around the outside. Ottilie matched the colours too.
10. BUS STOP SHAPES: This is an example of how I incorporated shape into small world play. The girls enjoy imaginative play so this allowed them to talk about and recognise shape within their play. I made the bus stops using play foam on lolly sticks.
For more ideas on how to teach and play with shape, check out my Instagram @myteachermummyandme.
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