If you have a collection of popsicles or craft sticks, a craft stick shape match is easy to make and will be played repeatedly. Preschoolers learn the best through play, and this low-prep math activity will be on repeat. In this post, you will learn how to use recycled egg crates and craft sticks to make a simple shape activity for your toddler and preschooler.
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What 2D shapes should preschoolers know?
Shapes are everywhere, and preschoolers will begin to see them everywhere in their environment if we start exposing early learners to the idea of looking for them!
Traditional 2D shapes like circles, squares, and triangles are just as important to introduce as the rhombus, hexagon, and pentagon. Remember, we are exposing our young children to these shapes. Mastery will come over time.
- circle
- hexagon
- pentagon
- octagon
- rectangle
- rhombus
- square
- triangle
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Early mathematical discussions
With this math activity, children are learning through play. This means 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
- Gather an egg carton, markers, and 12-14 craft sticks.
- Use a scissor or box cutter to make a slit at the bottom of the egg carton.
- Draw simple 2D shapes on each craft stick. I like to give each shape a color. You will need two of each.
- Put the craft sticks face down into the egg carton.
- Invite your child to find matching pairs of shapes.
Supplies
Supplies for this preschool activity begin with items and objects you likely already have in your home.
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Craft Sticks
We use craft sticks for this math activity and also for art activities. Grab a box, and you’re set for many easy ideas for kids.
Markers
I like to keep a box of markers for myself because who else will put on the caps? I get myself the good pack.
Shape memory 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 more! Here is an educational article on the importance of memory activities for kids.
Here are 50 fine motor activities that we play on repeat.
Who has time to search for ideas?
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More ways to play with shapes
If your child is enjoying shape recognition and exploration, keep going!
When will you play shape match with your preschooler?
Shape FAQ
Shapes are everywhere! It’s never too soon to start talking to your toddler and preschooler about the shapes around them. Begin the conversation by discussing what shapes they see at home, at the playground or even out of the car window. Use these activities for kids to inspire play and learning at home.
There are so many ways to teach shapes to preschoolers. Start with a conversation. Talk about what they see in their familiar environments. Reading books is another great way to develop shape recognition. And of course, there are countless shape activities for preschoolers that help to develop shape knowledge, fine motor skills, and sorting skills.
Traditional 2D shapes like circles, squares, and triangles are just as important to introduce as the rhombus, hexagon, and pentagon. Remember, we are exposing our young children to these shapes. Mastery will come over time.
The shape match activity which you have shared seems really interesting. Great way to engage kids in such fun activities for long hours. I personally love the games which makes learning little easy for kids. Bookmarked your blog to involve my young ones in such fascinating ideas. Thanks for sharing this!
Wonderful! Thanks for being here!