Best shape recognition resources and activities for early years
Don't be a square, boost your kids' shape recognition skills with these ace activities
- by Teachwire
EYFS shape planning
Teach Reception children about manipulating, composing and decomposing shapes with this free ten-lesson resource full of EYFS shapes activities.
We’re going on a shape hunt
Grab your iPads and help children explore their environment, with these ideas from Marc Faulder.
Children will learn how to talk about the properties and functions of 2D shapes, recognise 2D shapes in the environment and use knowledge of 2D shapes in a design task.
You’ll find this free lesson plan here.
2D shape recognition posters
This colourful set of 12 posters will introduce children in the early years and Key Stage 1 to common regular shapes, from the simple circle and square to the crescent and decagon.
Display them around your classroom to develop important mathematical language and knowledge.
Download these free printable posters here.
Wooden shape puzzles
For those of you who are handy with a hacksaw and some sandpaper these colourful and chunky shape puzzles can be made with minimal fuss.
All the instructions you need, should you need them, are here.
Printable shape puzzles
Alternatively, if scissors and glue are more your thing than sweeping up sawdust these printable puzzle pieces might be a better option.
Name that shape
This colourful selection of illustrations are formed of a variety of shapes, designed to support the development of early maths skills.
Sheets containing the constituent parts of each picture are provided for you to cut up, allowing children to recreate the illustrations or come up with their own designs.
Feed the shape monsters
Give shape sorting a terrifying twist in time for Halloween with these googly-eyed shape monsters.
Head to The Imagination Tree for this fun sorting game.
Cut-out road shapes
These six cut-out road designs for early years settings will support children’s shape recognition and develop their motor skills as they engage in vehicle-based small-world play.
Mirror box shapes
This mirror box idea is just one of many shape-based activities at Stimulating Learning.
You’ll also find some cool lightbox creations, shape picture activities and some doughy monster making.
Browse more Early Years activities.
