Shapes are everywhere! Exploring the concepts of geometry at the preschool level involves observations, comparisons, and descriptions. Make your math exploration even more meaningful by incorporating science and nature as well. Not only are these simple activities fun, they will introduce mathematical vocabulary and encourage learning with everyday objects.
- Symmetry Food Prints
Cut different pieces of fruit and vegetables in half. Have your child press them in paint and then press on paper. Look at the symmetry and discuss: if you fold the paper in half, the two sides will match and will be exactly the same in design. Create animals or nature pictures out of the prints using markers, crayons, or paint.
- Bubble Shapes
Use pipe cleaners to make bubble wands. The pipe cleaners can be bent into circles, squares, triangles, rectangles or other shapes. Predict what shape your wand will make; will a square wand make a square bubble? Test your hypothesis by dipping your shape in bubble solution and blowing gently. What shape is the bubble? Select a different wand – were your results the same?
- Shapes of Nature Book
Collect items from around the house that are different shapes. Take them outside and collect items of similar shapes in nature (leaves and seed pods work well). Bring the items inside and glue on paper. Label the shapes for your child. Now find items inside that match the nature shapes!