Learning Shapes in an Enjoyable Way!

As we prepare our preschooler for kindergarten, recognizing shapes is one of the things to practice. Rather than using flash cards, I like to explore other hands on ways to get my preschooler working shape recognition. Using hands on and fun activities to get my preschooler to practice shapes is much more fun for the both of us. Using flash cards alone is repetitious and unengaging for this age group. They will really learn by being invested in what they are “learning”, while really having fun and playing with you.

One idea for shape recognition is to have your preschooler copy pictures of the shape. Hold out a picture of one of the 2-D shapes and then have your child use their pointer finger to draw it in a fun medium! Easy items to use are salt and a baking tray. By pouring some salt into a baking tray you have made a fun sensory item that your child can write in. Have your child look at the picture, draw the shape in the try, and then say the shape name out loud. Simple practice that will keep your kiddo busy learning by using common materials in your home.

Another idea to use at home is using the back yard as a tool. Using nature to make 2-D shapes is a fun way to include great textures while practicing shape recognition. Grass, leaves, sticks, rocks, and dirt are all great materials to have your child use to design the shapes. Call out a shape for them to create with their nature items and encourage them to be creative. Making mud and using a stick to draw the shapes in is also some messy fun!

Having a shape hunt at home is also a fun way to engage your child while learning without even realizing it. Using post-its and a marker, draw each shape on the post-its. Then hide the shapes in semi-tricky spots around your home. Call out one of the shapes for them to find and help your preschooler practice treasure hunting shapes for fun! As your kiddo begins to master their shapes, have them take turns by hiding the shapes and calling out the names for you to find.

These are just a few shape recognition activities that are easy to do at home. There are many more ideas online if more are needed. Shapes are a un thing to work on with preschoolers. Expanding the shape hunt to the grocery story is fun as they get older to practice their shapes. Shapes are everywhere and the practice is endless. Making fun games to play will help your child to recognize them in a entertaining and exciting way.

Ms. Whitney
Lead Pre-Kindergarten
Curriculum Coordinator