Shape matching for the win! – Forever, and always.

Nothing beats a good shape matching activity with friends.

The suspense of finding the other circle.

Knowing where the other rhombus is hiding and waiting for your turn to grasp it.

I am telling you. This shape matching activity will bring your preschooler pure joy so let’s not waste another minute to get to the details.

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What’s the magic to this shape matching activity?

This game started as a simple DIY matching game for a Breakfast Invitation and very quickly evolved to the most played game in our house. 

Dad, you go, then I go.

Then Hayes.

It goes dad, me, Hayes, dad, me, Hayes.

On repeat.

Games with rules are important and my preschooler was going to make sure we all fully understood how this shape matching activity was about to go down.

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What 2D shapes should preschoolers know?

• circle

• square

• rectangle

• triangle

• rhombus – formally known as diamond

• hexagon

• pentagon

• octagon

Shapes are everywhere, and preschoolers will begin to see them everywhere in their environment. – if we start to expose early learners to the idea of looking for them!

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Shape matching activities like this begin to have early mathematical discussions with young learners.

Here, children are learning through play.

What this means is that their guard is down and they are more willing to take risks with their learning.

We want children to be able to problem-solve. think about what they are doing, and extend on prior knowledge.

Let’s give them opportunities to do so!

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Shape Match Set-Up

Use a box cutter to separate the egg carton.

Add small slits into the top of each section.

Draw a shape on the craft stick, then draw a matching shape on the other craft stick.

Your fine motor shape matching activity is now ready!

Supplies:

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Shape match also strengthens the small hand muscles and prepares children for strong hands to cut, squeeze glue, and draw lines.

Shape match is also a memory game that helps improve cognitive development, problem-solving, and so much more! Here is an educational article on the importance of memory activities for kids.

When will you play shape match with your preschooler?