Sorting shapes is a foundational math skill many preschoolers enjoy. From the basic squares and circles to more complex shapes like hexagons and trapezoids, children’s naturally keen sense of observation helps them to become great at sorting shapes. Read on for some fun activities involving shape sorting!
Math in the Preschool Classroom
Preschool is the perfect time to begin introducing math to young students. Students can:
- Count to see who has more
- Compare who is taller or shorter
- Sort objects by color or attribute
- Recognize shapes
These are all things children do naturally. They may sort all their candies based on color or move all the cylindrical blocks to one section of the block center. The most amazing part is that preschoolers do this without prompting – it just comes naturally! And, of course, practicing these types of cognitive tasks leads the way to higher learning.
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Taking it to the Next Dimension
Of course, flat, two-dimensional shapes are the easiest ones to teach, so often those are the first ones students are exposed to. It’s where they learn the names of the different shapes. But that’s just the beginning! Connecting the flat shapes with real-life three-dimensional objects helps preschoolers make the connections that a square isn’t just a drawing, but also the shape of one side of an object.
One essential skill for students is the ability to identify shapes in the world around them. For example, to realize that a clock is a circle, that block is a square, and the bed is a rectangle. In this way, it is a lot like environmental print – the more times a preschooler identifies shapes in their environment, the deeper their understanding of shapes becomes.
Another aspect is the concept of attributes. Being able to tell another person WHY that object is a triangle and not a circle is a higher level skill – but an important one! Recognizing that a circle has no points, but a square has four sides and four points with each side the same – is a HUGE boost to the brain! It’s the “why” behind the “what,” which teaches students more HOW to think instead of basic rote memorization.
Simple Sorting Shapes Game
First, use masking tape or duct tape to make large shapes on the floor or on a table. To start, choose three shapes,such as a square, a circle, and a triangle. Next, gather an assortment of objects that match these shapes. Then discuss the different attributes of the shapes with the class and encourage the students to trace the shape with their finger and count the points and sides. Placing a black dot in one point helps stop the endless loop that might ensue!
Sorting Shapes at the Light Table
The light table always seems to be a favorite in early childhood classrooms. There’s just something about the soft glow of the table that beckons students to come learn and play. So, of course, it makes the perfect setting to create a shape sorting center.
To begin, section off the table into four sections using washi tape. Print the light table shape labels on transparency pages to attach to each sectioned off quarter. (Printing on transparency sheets is easier than most people imagine. Check out more information on how to use transparency sheets here.) Place a basket of transparent shapes in the middle of the table for students to sort.
While students can happily sort the shapes independently, if time allows, encourage discussion amongst the students such as:
- What do you notice about all the shapes you’re putting in this section? What do they have in common?
- How many sides do you see on this shape?
- How many points do you see? Did you know the points are also called ‘vertices’?
- Do you see anything in our classroom that is this same shape?
Encouraging this type of discussion allows students to think deeper about the attributes of each shape. That can translate into being able to draw shapes and classify other types of objects based on properties.
Shape Sorting on an Interactive Bulletin Board
Another way to incorporate shape recognition is on an interactive bulletin board. Students can use bulletin boards at eye level to develop many essential skills. The vertical surface helps develop the small muscles of the hands and allows young students to move, cooperate, and learn in a fun way.
Bulletin boards are also a fantastic way to incorporate a theme into math learning. For example:
- Create a “shape train” to go along with a Transportation unit. Students pick a shape from the bucket below and load it into the appropriate train car.
- Load pumpkin shapes onto a hayride bulletin board. Label each section of the hayride with a shape label, then have students sort the pumpkins into the corresponding area.
- Low on bulletin board space? Not to worry! Magnetic white boards work just as well. Divide the board into sections with shape labels on each. Provide magnetic shapes (check out Target’s Dollar Spot for deals) and let the students explore.
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