Shapes, shapes, shapes! Shapes are all around us and your preschooler is excited to know all about them! It’s very important to teach shapes early on, because shapes help lay the foundation for learning in other categories. Learning shapes will help your preschooler better understand: letters, numbers, math and even science. In this post we will discuss when you should start teaching your preschooler shapes and also tips for making teaching preschoolers shapes fun and easy!
Teaching your preschooler shapes early on has many benefits. By teaching your preschooler shapes you are helping them build their cognitive skills such as: attention span, memory and reasoning. Teaching shapes to preschoolers has many other benefits as well.
When to Teach Preschoolers Shapes
Around the age of 2- 2.5 years old is an ideal time to introduce shapes to your preschooler. Just like with colors this is the time to slowly begin teaching the names of shapes. When you’re out for a walk you can point out different shapes that you may see. (Examples: signs, the wheels on cars, items on the playground)
You can also do this when you’re playing, reading or coloring together. There are several opportunities to point out different shapes. By the time your preschooler is 3 they will have a better understanding of shapes. You can then really begin to use activities that will help your preschooler learn shapes.
I would like to suggest starting off with basic shapes such as: circles, squares, triangles and hearts. Then gradually work your way towards more difficult shapes. These would include: rectangles, ovals, octagons, etc.
Tips for Teaching Preschoolers Shapes
- Start off slowly. As I mentioned before you want to introduce shapes slowly. The last thing we want to do is overwhelm your little one. This is true for any topic or subject you are working on. Start by naming the shapes, playing with them or even coloring or painting them.
2. Like with colors work on one shape at a time. You know your preschooler’s ability better than anyone else, but by working on one shape at a time you will help decrease the chances of confusion and frustration.
3. I would like to suggest starting off with basic shapes such as: circles, squares, triangles, hearts and then gradually work your way towards more difficult ones. These would include: rectangles, ovals, octagons, etc.
4. Flashcards are a great tool to use when first introducing shapes. They really help put a picture with the name of the shape and will help your preschooler learn them faster.
5. MAKE IT FUN! The best thing you will be able to do when teaching your preschooler shapes is to have fun while learning. You can also incorporate activities and games that will help with their gross and fine motor skills.
Shapes Activities
Here a few ideas to help make learning fun for you and your preschooler!
- make shapes out of play-doh
- flashcards
- worksheets/printables
- YouTube videos
- blocks
- puzzles
- make shapes out of toothpicks (it’s so much fun connecting the points with marshmallows!)
- coloring pages
- matching games
Conclusion
In conclusion, by taking your time and introducing shapes to your preschooler slowly and then working on one at a time, learning shapes can be done in a timely and fun manner.
Remember to use different games and activities to engage your preschooler and have fun! Also, be mindful that each child is unique and will reach different developmental milestones in their own time.
I really hope these tips for teaching preschoolers shapes has been helpful to you! What games and activities are your favorite for teaching shapes? Please leave them in the comments!
