Copy and Color in Shapes

Tip 74 Teach your child to copy a simple shape and then to color it.

Fold an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper in four parts. Then draw two shapes in the two upper sections. Next ask your child to color them and then copy and color them in the two lower sections. Emphasize coloring in the whole shape.

If your child is ready, get out another sheet of paper and do the activity again. This time encourage your child to draw the top shapes in the two top sections for you to color in and then copy and color below.

Taking turns with your child makes this kind of activity much more fun.

As your child makes each circle, he or she is getting both writing and drawing practice. As he or she colors, the exercise adds more eye-hand coordination and also becomes more fun.

Parenting Insight…

“Write” is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (p.2061) as “to form (letters, words, or symbols) on a surface such as paper with an instrument such as a pen.”

“”Draw” is defined in the same dictionary (p. 561) as “To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.”

The game described above has been designed to reinforce both writing and drawing skills. The circle is both the letter O and a completed curved line.

*Adapted from Make Your Own Preschool Games: A Personalized Play and Learn Program by Sally Goldberg, p. 171 – 172.

June! Month of the Dads

Here’s a new term for you, dad, emergent literacy! While you probably have had endless fun with your child writing and drawing, now you know you have been contributing to “emergent literacy.” You have been a major force behind your child’s writing and drawing development, and you probably didn’t even know that. Thank you, dad.

NOTE: If you’re a mom looking to give the dad in your life some creative fun ideas to do with your child, pass on “Copy and Color in Shapes.” Your child and the dad will like it. Get even more ideas at emergent-literacy.com.

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