Shape Up!: Shape Hunt + Matching + Spatial Words

Infants build foundations through repetition, sensory exploration, and responsive interaction.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

A collection of soft, safe-to-mouth shape toys (e.g., blocks, rings, balls in various shapes)

A large, soft mat or blanket for the floor

A large mirror

Pictures of the infant's family members holding various everyday objects (e.g., a parent holding a round plate, a sibling holding a square book)

Soft fabric squares and circles

Learning Objectives

Infants will explore various soft shapes through touch and mouthing.

Infants will begin to associate shapes with familiar objects and people.

Infants will visually track shapes as they move.

Infants will begin to understand simple spatial concepts like "in" and "on."

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread the soft mat or blanket on the floor, creating a cozy "home" space for exploration.

2. Introduce the shape toys one by one, letting the infant touch, grasp, and mouth them. Narrate the shapes: "Look, a soft circle."

3. Place a few family photos around the mat. Hold up an object (like a square block) and then show a family picture where someone is holding a similar shape: "This is your Mommy, and she is holding a square like this block!"

4. Gently place a fabric square or circle in front of the infant. Roll a shape toy towards them. "The ball is rolling toward you."

5. Place a fabric shape on top of a soft block. Say, "The circle is on the square." Let the infant try to touch them.

6. If the infant is in a sitting position, gently place a shape toy "in" their hand or "in" a soft container like a fabric basket.

7. Hold the mirror at the infant's eye level. Place a shape toy near the mirror. "Can you see the circle in the mirror?"

Educator Tip

Safety is paramount. Ensure all shapes are large enough to not be a choking hazard and are made of soft, non-toxic materials suitable for infants. Encourage family involvement by asking them to send in photos depicting them with objects of different shapes around the house. This bridges the home environment with the learning activity naturally.

Assessment

Observe the infant's engagement with the shapes and photos. Note if they show interest in grasping, looking at, or mouthing the shapes. Track their visual focus as you move shapes and narrate their position (e.g., "on," "in"). Note any reactions to seeing familiar family members in the photos associated with shapes.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues; sanitize props.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, calm engagement.

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