When I first started teaching my son how to recognize different shapes, I would draw them on a piece of paper, point, and tell him what each shape was. Before too long he would get bored and move on to a toy with wheels or sound and leave me in the dust. It didn’t take me long to realize I was going about my teaching style all wrong. He needed something to touch and feel in his hands to be more interested in learning his shapes. So I turned my original boring shape activity into a reusable, hands-on, and very easy-to-make Shape Recognition Activity with colorful felt shapes that can be stuck on and peeled off over and over.
Below is a list of supplies you’ll need to make this Shape Recognition Activity. If you’re a teacher or know someone who has access to a laminating machine, you’ll save big on this project but if you don’t then I suggest springing for an inexpensive laminating machine from Amazon. It won’t be the last time you use it, especially if you’re the crafty type.
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Supplies Needed:
- Shape recognition worksheet
- Laminating machine
- 11 sheets of different colored felt
- Scissors
- Pen
- Clear Velcro dots
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Directions:
- Print out 2 of the Shape Recognition Worksheets and laminate one of them. This is the laminator that I use. It’s cheap and easy to operate.
- Cut out each shape from the worksheet you did not laminate.
- Trace each shape onto a piece of colored felt and cut them out. Remember to use a different color for each shape, if possible.
- Apply Velcro dots to the laminated Shape Recognition Worksheet and to each felt shape. I used the soft side on the shapes and the stiff side on the worksheet.
You can also use this Shape Recognition Activity to help your preschooler practice their color recognition and counting skills. And the best part of this worksheet is that it can be used over and over again.
Have fun!
What are some of your favorite ways to teach your preschooler their shapes? Have you tried my DIY Shape Recognition Activity? Let me know how yours turned out. Share in the comments below.
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Hi! I’m Meagan I just turned 40! I’ve been married for 14 years. I’m a proud boy mom, happily navigating my way through the little boy years. I met my husband over 20 years ago in high school; we got married 10 years later after graduating from the University of South Florida. I currently help run a family business with my parents while blogging about my life and love of DIY projects!
When I’m not at a kids sports game, I enjoy spending time with my family on a beach anywhere. I also love decorating and organizing, fun DIY projects, bargain shopping, and eating out or in! I also love Barbecue anything and a good show or movie on Netflix.
wow, what a simple activity to set up! It must be a ton of fun for the kids. I’ll have to share this with my friend who is a pre-school teacher 🙂
aww I love this ! It’s a perfect DIY learning activity that is so fun for little ones. I wish I was as creative when my kids were little.
Sandy
http://chicstylingsblog.com
This looks like a fun activity and simple to make! Thanks for the print!
You’re welcome and yes, my son loves the “shapes game” as he calls it!
Such a fun activity! And I love that they are different colors too!
What a great activity for kids! A must-try. 🙂
Just curious how well the velcro sticks to the felt. Wondering if I should laminate the shapes too but then it takes away from the tactile experience and can be achieved with cardstock. Hope to hear back from someone. Thanks!
awesome! God bless you
Como hago para imprimir las plantillas????
I love this, I will do it with my class tomorrow. Great hands on plus they can count sides of certain shapes.