Working with Shapes

Shapes are one of the most important topics to teach the first learners. Shapes recognition is taught as an early math skill in the preschools. The basic shapes for the toddlers that we usually begin to teach are Square, Triangle, Circle, Heart, Rectangle.

The teachers in the preschool create an environment where children are eager to explore and learn about the different shapes. They provide the children with appropriate materials to help them understand the topic developmentally. The students not only learn the name of basic shapes but also how they are integrated with each other. Through proper guidance and encouragement, children learn the shapes which can later help them in more advanced classes in the future. Teaching shapes to children are best done through play, household materials and things including in everyday life experiences such as the things we find in our surroundings. There are other methods used in the preschools where children are able to grasp the knowledge of basic geometry such as the tower of blocks, beads, books, tabletops, classroom, doors, puzzle games etc. Teachers expose varieties of materials to help the children analyze the various shapes in and around them.

Learning shapes is very important as the precursor skill for both math and literacy. Learning the basic shapes at a very young age is beneficial, as children would not find it difficult when they come across more shapes in Geometry. Being able to learn the shapes also help children to recognize the letters (spellings).

First comes the recognition of shapes, where it brings a mixed awareness in the child along with some gross motor development. For example, children who love puzzles enable them to learn about shapes very quickly.

Secondly labeling and identifying the shapes, where children are able to learn logically about the shapes. For example, making a shape collage where children are able to build shapes by drawing or tracing them.

Preschool students not only recognize the shapes but also learn to distinguish, sort out, compare and match, and also draw them.

There are fabulous ideas that can be followed at home for teaching shapes to the children. There are many colors and shapes activities for the children through which they can figure out the mathematical skills even at home. These ideas are perfect for the toddlers and the first learners. They not only work on basic shapes but also learn early math skills.

Making a Penguin

Use different colored papers to make different shapes cut-outs. Use these shape cut-outs to make a figure of penguin (any other animals or birds).

Materials Required:

1. Art Paper (Black, Blue color)
2. Marble Paper (Red, Orange)
3. White Paper (A4 sheet paper)
4. Pencil
5. Safety scissor
6. Glue

Procedure:

1. First, use the blue colored art paper. Draw a 9-inch square on the paper and cut it out.
2. Use the black paper. Draw an oval of 8 inches and cut it. Then draw two semi-circles of 3- inch. And draw two circles of 1-inch.
   
3. Using the red color cut a 3*1 ½ inch triangle.
   
4. Using the orange color, draw a diamond shape of 2 inches. And two heart shapes of 3 inches.
   
5. Take the white paper, draw a big circle of 5-inch. Draw two more circles of 2 inch. And cut a 3½*1 inch rectangle.
   
6. These are all the shapes cut-outs.
   
7. Now arrange all the shapes and colors as shown in the following figure. And finally, stick all the shapes with glue.

Square for the base.

Oval for the body.

Semi-circles each for the wings.

Four small circles each for the eyes.

Big circle for the belly.

Rectangle for the headband.

Triangle for the cap.

Diamond for the snout.

Heart for the toes.

This way children learn different names by figuring out the different shapes and colors. They also connect with the objects in the environment as well as bring out their artistic works. Children love to explore and enjoy this activity as they are able to make things out of the different shape cut-outs.

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