Building with Shapes

     One activity that I have always found was is building with shape cutouts. I could always pull out my shapes, and my kids would be as excited as ever. This activity was a hit with my preschoolers. They would beg me to pull out my shapes, just about every single day.

     I am so excited that Brooklee is finally at this fun age of wanting to create things, and build things. I decided it was time to pull out my shapes, and let her build anything that she wanted. Of course, she wanted me to help her. Together, we made a big triangle out of little triangles. We built a tower, and even a train.

Brooklee was so happy that she started singing, and making up words to a train song. I could really tell that she was enjoying herself.

     To make these shapes, I jtook some construction paper and cut out some basic shapes of the paper. I then took some clear contact paper, and "laminated" the pieces.  That was it. Really simple.

If you need another shape idea, I have a printable matching shape game that you could use too. You can find it by clicking here.

Match the Shapes

     I am a big fan of matching games. Kids truly enjoy playing games. I especially love it when children can learn from the games that they play. Today, I have a Shape Matching Game to share. I placed basic shapes on this set, so preschoolers can begin to recognize their shapes. My suggestion is to review the names of each shape, before starting the game. Make sure each child recites the name of each shape that they turn over, while playing the game. That way, they can all learn the names of each shape.

If you have never played a matching game, here are some real simple instructions to follow.
1) Lay out your cards face down.
2) Turn one card over, and  then pick another card to try to make a match.
3) If there is no match, turn the cards back over. (If there are multiple players, it's the next person's turn to play)
4) If a match has been made, the player gets another turn.
5) Repeat the same steps, until all of the matches have been made.

 If you would like to download this matching game set, please remember:
* This printable is for personal use only.
*Please do not alter, resell, redistribute, or claim this printable as your own.
*If you would like to re-post this printable online, credit must be given to Mommy and Me Creations with a link back to my website.
** Please remember that this freebie is sole property of Mommy and Me Creations. I am sharing some love, all I ask that you send some back to me.

Download the Shape Matching Game

Also, Teaching Blog Addict is turning two. As most of you know, I too am a blog author of TBA. I cannot believe that this amazing website will soon be turning 2.  To celebrate, there will be an ultimate freebie celebration on April 5th.

This celebration will give educators a chance to link up their freebies.TBA will be hosting multiple link parties for the following grade levels:

- Preschool and Kindergarten
- 1st and 2nd Grade
- 3rd and 4th Grade
- 5th and 6th Grade

This will be a celebration that no one will want to miss out on. 

Homemade Puzzle Matching Game

     Matching games are always really fun for little kids, but I always recommend adding a learning concept to each one. With this matching game, I cut animal figures out of paper. I then used the actual cut-out and silhouette, as my game. (Cricut machines are amazing for helping making die-cuts, and are especially handy for preschool teachers. They saved me so much time, while I was teaching)
     The learning concept that I would like to see achieved is: Looking at one solid object, and match it to its shape. Some children can match these items easily, while other young children may not. If a child does not grasp the concept quick yet, bring it back down to their level. Take away the silhouette cut-outs, and only show the child the animal figures. Talk about each animal individually. Ask the child if he or she knows what sounds a duck makes. Practice those basic concepts, and build up from there. Before you know it, this child will be able to master this game!

Fun Math Games for Kids

     I love using visuals to teach children, especially when it comes to math. When I taught preschool, I would always use empty egg cartons and cereal to sort and count. The treat would always draw children into the activity, but there was one rule: the child couldn't eat the cereal until the learning activity was over. Today, I would like to share with you just how I taught math using an egg carton and cereal.

     For the counting activity, I would cut out and place numbers 1-6 (one number for each hole in the carton). Once the numbers were placed, I would ask the child to look at each number. Then count out the same number of cereal, and place them into each carton hole. To make it a little more challenging, I would mix up the numbers. For example: Instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; I would change it to 5, 3, 4, 1, 6, 2. If the child did well with both challenges, I would add more numbers to the carton. For example: instead of 1-6, I could add 7-12. Then ask the child to count, and place cereal to match the written number.

     Another great way to test a child's math skill is to have them sort their cereal. I would always ask kids to sort by color. If he or she mastered this concept, I would ask the child to sort the cereal by size. To make it a little more challenging, I would switch the cereal out for one that has different shapes (i.e. Lucky Charms) and ask the child to sort the cereal by their shapes. This is a terrific way to test your child to see where they stand in learning their colors, sizes, and shapes.

     These small math activities could be used in any math center, or just as a fun activity to do at home with your spare time. Kids really enjoy these activities, especially getting that tasty reward at the end!