Shape Up!: Shape Hunt + Matching + Spatial Words

Level 3 develops early academic independence and higher-order thinking.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Large sugar paper in various colours

- Pre-cut shapes (circles, squares, triangles, rectangles) in different sizes and colours

- Crayons or markers

- Child-safe scissors

- Glue sticks

- Puzzles with family members or homes

- Picture books about families and homes

- Small objects representing family members (e.g., toy figures, photos)

- Chart paper or whiteboard

Learning Objectives

- Children will be able to identify and name common geometric shapes.

- Children will be able to match shapes of the same type.

- Children will be able to use spatial words (e.g., above, below, beside, in front of) to describe the location of shapes and family members.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by reading a picture book about families and homes, pointing out different shapes in the illustrations. Ask children to identify shapes they see in their own homes.

2. Introduce the pre-cut shapes. Hold up each shape and say its name clearly. Ask children to repeat the names.

3. Give each child a piece of sugar paper and a collection of pre-cut shapes. Ask them to glue shapes onto their paper to create a picture of their family or home. Encourage them to name the shapes as they use them.

4. Once they have finished their shape creations, ask children to describe their pictures using spatial words. For example, "The circle is above the square for the sun," or "The triangle is beside the rectangle for the door of my house."

5. Introduce the puzzles. Say, "Let's put together this puzzle to find a family member. Where does this piece go? Is it in front of the table or behind it?"

6. Have children work individually or in small groups to complete the puzzles, using spatial language to describe where the pieces fit.

7. Scatter the small objects representing family members around the room. Call out instructions for children to place the objects in specific spatial relationships, such as "Put the mommy figure beside the baby figure," or "Place the house behind the tree."

Educator Tip

For children who are still developing their shape recognition skills, focus on just two or three shapes at a time. You can also simplify the spatial language. For families who wish to participate, encourage them to send in a photo of their family to be used in a classroom display where children can practise describing where each family member is located using spatial words.

Assessment

Observe and listen as children create their shape pictures and describe them. Note their ability to name shapes and use spatial words accurately. Collect the shape creations as a tangible record of their understanding. You can also assess their ability to follow spatial direction during the object placement activity.

Educator tip

Use simple rubric; insist on justification; allow multiple correct solutions.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Rubric (1–4): accuracy, reasoning, clarity, independence.

More from EYFS My Family