I Know Shapes!
Here's What To Do
On a piece of paper draw three big shapes: a circle, a square, and a triangle.
Sit with your child and show them the paper with the three shapes. Name each one and point to it. Say, "This is a circle. It’s round! This is a square. It has four sides. And this is a triangle. It has three sides!"
Next place different objects in front of your child that are shaped like circles, squares or triangles. For example, show them a plate, and ask them its shape. Have them put the plate on the circle that you’ve drawn.
Hand your child a new object and ask them to match it to the correct shape. Repeat until you have sorted all the objects.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Using your hands make a circle, square and a triangle with your child. Then give them a high five.
Engage:
- "What shape is this block? Do you think it will fit on the square?"
- "This triangle has three sides. Can you show me another object with three sides?"
Encourage:
- "Wow! You put the circle in the right spot!
- "You’re really thinking hard about this one. Let’s figure it out together!"
Reflect:
- “Which shape was the hardest for you to find?”
Not quite ready?
Focus on one shape at a time.
Ready for more?
Have your child find different objects for you to sort.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to identify basic shapes and say their names.