Early Atlas

Activity

Shape Builder Pictures

Children name shapes, count their sides, and combine them into new pictures.

Ages 36–60 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Play-based learning geometry shapes composing sides-and-angles

Supports this milestone

  • identifies, describes, compares, and composes shapes. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

  • A set of paper or foam shapes in circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles of various sizes
  • A sheet of paper or a tray as a building base
  • Glue sticks or a felt board, optional

Steps

  • Hold up a shape and ask the child to name it, even when it is turned or large.
  • Count the sides and corners of the shape together.
  • Invite the child to find another shape with the same number of sides.
  • Ask the child to combine shapes to build something, such as a house or rocket.
  • Talk about which shapes they joined and how many sides each has.
  • Display the finished pictures and name the shapes inside them.

Variations

  • Cut a large square along its diagonal to show it makes two triangles.
  • Hunt the room for objects that match each shape.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, focus on naming circles, squares, and triangles.
  • For older children, include pentagons and hexagons and describe sides and angles.

Accessibility

  • Provide thick foam or wooden shapes with distinct edges for tactile learners.
  • Describe each shape aloud by sides and corners for children with low vision.

Safety

  • Use rounded-edge shapes and supervise the use of glue or small pieces.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas