learning shapes for preschool

Children from a very young age are eager to understand the visual images that they see.  Most of our would is assembled with shapes of some sort or form and children of all ages need the time to explore and play with shapes in their world.  This post talks about the expectations for learning shapes for preschoolers as well as examples of how we can use the innate curiosity of a child if given beautiful materials and the time to work.

My preschool-aged daughter is ready to dive into activities that engage mathematics learning.  Kindergarteners are expected to know their whole numbers and shapes in space, so it is beneficial to create opportunities for your younger child (ages 2-5)  to have experiences with shapes and math together.

Parents and teachers alike can create an environment which focuses on the following  outcomes:

• identify and name 2-dimensional shapes: circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and ovals

• identify and name 3-dimensional shapes: cube, cone, sphere, cylinder

• analyze two- and three-dimensional shapes in various sizes, transformations, and orientations

• understand and use words to describe relational positions of objects, such as: above, below, beside, behind,in front of, next to, on, over, under, inside, between.

• utilize correct terms while moving shape objects: turn = rotation, flip = reflection, slide = translation.

• create patterns using objects: ABAB, ABBA, AAB, AABB.

We bring out our amazing Spielgaben set to complete the above preschool and kindergarten tasks naturally through play and explorations.  Spielgaben has 14 beautiful sets, we are focusing on Spielgaben Set 7 here.

Spielgaben 7 is made up of seven differently-shaped tablets. You’ll find colourful squares, equilateral triangles, right angle isosceles triangles, scalene triangles, obtuse isosceles triangles, circles, and half circles. Do you know the difference between an equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangle? If you don’t, it is probably because you memorized these terms in high school instead of learning about them through exploration as a young child. While playing with Spielgaben 7, your child will discover that all plane geometric figures can be made from triangles. Your child will learn problem solving and special rotation skills as well as relationship between 3D solids into 2D flat figures.

May loves setting up her shapes in lines both in color patterns and whatever strikes her fancy.  If I want to consider the play time a “learning time” then I will tell her the names of the shapes, as well as what they are when you connect them.  “Two squares can make a rectangle!  Four squares make a larger square!”

Children can lay their shapes down in a pattern. I began a simple black and white pattern using the circles that May could be invited to add on to.  Eventually, she began making up her own patterns, and however imperfect, she is learning a great deal about patterning and visual awareness!!

I also brought out some of our small wooden numbers to count up to 5.  I never count higher than five (with numerals) with her so she is not overwhelmed, though now she can count orally to 20 (most of the time)!!

She can sit and play for hours with her little shapes.  Separating by color or making patterns or exploring her triangles.  This is very different than John at her age (see: how my preschool boy learns) so it’s important to set your child up for success in whatever interests or engagement level that they and you are comfortable.

Introducing children to different kinds of triangles (such as equilateral, isosceles, scalene, and right) is a great informal way to share the world of shape and relations to your child.  Here, I shared with her, through visual and some auditory teaching, that triangles can make up many different shapes!

Her little hands working are my favorite things in the world.  I will forever cherish those little chunky hands!!

Exploring beautiful shapes and colors with the gorgeous assortment of shapes that Spielgaben provides.

Infinite ways to create and explore with shapes

Spielgaben provides children with 2D and 3D representations for endless mathematics learning and play. The possibilities are endless for a broad range of mathematics learning topics: shapes, patterning, sorting, counting, geometry, fractions.

What is included in the Spielgaben set?

• 14 sequential Spielgaben sets made of environmentally sustainable and non-toxic children friendly materials.
• Wooden solid storage drawers with 8 individual storage containers that stores all of the 14 sets neatly and efficiently.
• Wooden Playboard as well as Dual Side Non-Toxic plastic playboard.
• Learning Resources: curriculum based digital learning resources that will help parents how to incorporate play based learning into everyday routine and allow your child to experiment and learn through physical manipulation for many years to come.

Children are presented with limitless opportunities for play and learning with the Spielgaben set — you can read all the details about each set here.  All school topics and interests can be directed like this, through a hands-on, creative approach.  I can’t wait to see what my son is interested in next!!

Want to invest in a learning tool that will last a lifetime?

Special: US $399.50 | AU 486 | GBP 270

Please check directly with Spielgaben for current discount available, prices change with version updates and conversion rates.  This is a sponsored post by Spielgaben, opinions are my own.