Here's What To Do
Gather or make a shape puzzle toy. Examples:
- A shape sorter toy that has differently shaped holes in its lid
- A simple shape puzzle (with geometric shapes like triangle, circle, square)
- Make a cardboard shape puzzle by cutting a large circle, triangle, square, and star out of a cardboard box. Keep the shapes you cut out, those are the puzzle pieces.
Encourage me to put a shape into the puzzle. Demonstrate how to put a piece in, and see if I will imitate you.
Use your fingers to trace the shapes, and talk to me about their features. Show me how the holes in the puzzle have the same features.
Give me plenty of time for trial and error. I may need several months of practice before I can match different shapes.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Make sure I'm sitting well so my hands are free to do the puzzle.
Engage:
- "Can you find where the circle goes?"
- "This triangle has three points, 1, 2, 3. This hole also has 3 points, 1, 2, 3."
Encourage:
- Encourage my effort, this is hard work! Like: "Oops! That's not it. Keep trying, see if it fits in the next one."
- After I've tried a few times on my own, give me a hint to help me succeed. Put the puzzle piece almost in, and let me finish, or tap the hole that matches the shape.
Reflect:
- Am I able to match any shapes consistently? Which ones am I still working on?
Not quite ready?
Encourage me to play with circular puzzle pieces, or peg toys. Circular puzzle pieces will be simpler for me to fit than other shapes.
Ready for more?
Encourage me to complete puzzles with more complex shapes like diamonds, stars, hearts, rectangles, or ovals.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to match circles and squares in puzzles with adult help. They may also be able to match more difficult shapes like triangles, diamonds, or stars.