Teaching shapes to little ones isn’t just adorable, it’s the building block of early learning! From spotting squares in storybooks to hopping on hexagons during playtime, shapes spark curiosity, boost language, and turn everyday moments into brain-boosting adventures. Come explore the corners, curves, and creativity of shape play by making Shape Finders for toddlers and preschoolers in your care.
Be sure to read children’s books about shapes with the children in your care such as: “Mouse Shapes” by Ellen Stoll Walsh, “My Very First Book of Shapes” by Eric Carle, “Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes” by Roseanne Greenfield, “All Shapes Matter” by Sreekanth Kumar and Chakra Sreekanth.
You Will Need:
Card Stock Paper
Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets
Jumbo Craft Sticks
Hot Glue Gun and Hot Glue Sticks
Clear Packing Tape
What to Do:
1. Cut out shape templates:
Print or draw desired shapes onto cardstock. Common shapes include circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and ovals.
2. Cut out the center:
Carefully cut out the inside of each shape to create a “window” or viewing area.
3. Reinforce the shape finders:
Laminating the shape finders for durability, or use clear tape to reinforce them, especially if they will be handled frequently.
4. Attach craft sticks:
Use hot glue to attach the craft sticks to each shape. Reinforce with a small piece of clear packing tape.
5. Go on a shape hunt:
Take the shape finders and explore your surroundings, looking through the cut-out shapes to find matching objects in your environment.
Idea from Teachers Pay Teachers
Photos by Stephanie Felzenberg
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