Activity 24: Matching shapes
Materials:
Basic shapes (1 circle, 3 squares, 2 triangles, 4 rectangles) cut from paper; shape outlines (or “shadows”) traced on sheets of paper, 1 outline for each shape cutout.
Try It Out:
- Say, “Let’s play a matching game. We’re going to match our shapes to their shadows.” Name each shape and show your child how to place a square cutout over the square outline and the circle cutout over the circle outline. Continue until all the shapes have been placed on the “shadows.”
- Then say, “Okay, let’s count all of the circles. There is 1 circle. Now the squares: 1, 2, 3.” Also count the triangles and rectangles.
- Remove the shapes and hand them to your child. Say, “Now it’s your turn to play. Can you show me where the circle goes?”
- Help your child find the right spot if she’s unsure.
- Continue playing until all the shapes are matched. Say, “All the shapes are on their shadows!”
Making the Most of This Activity:
- Tape the paper outlines to the wall and let your child tape the shapes in place.
- Try taping the outlines to the floor and have your child play a relay game where she selects a shape, runs to the outline and matches her shape, runs back and gets a new shape, and continues the matching relay.
Reflect:
Was your child able to match the paper shapes to their outlines? If not, she may not be quite ready for this activity and you can try again later.
