Activity 44: Recognizing Shapes

Age Range: Preschool and Up…

Area being Developed: Pre-Geometry and Spatial Sense

Start with a simple shape like a circle, square, or rectangle and make the activity into a treasure hunt. Take turns looking for a particular shape. Here are examples of shapes you might find in your classroom:

Circles – paper plates, door knobs, pencil holders, buttons, and table tops

Squares – windows, CD cases, boxes, and table tops

Rectangles – doors, windows, books, and desk tops

There are all different kinds of shapes in many places in your classroom, the office, and outside. Some will be hard to find at first; but as you continue to look, you will find more.

Enrichment… 

Circles, squares, and rectangles are all around. Triangles, hexagons, and other shapes are there too, but they are harder to find. As simple as this game may seem, play as a shape detective lays the initial groundwork for later success in geometry. Designed as a break from other more tedious work, this game is fun and educational at the same time.