Do you know that the ability to correctly identify shapes is a foundational mathematical skill? And this skill is quite rewarding for little minds because their world is full of shapes. Understanding different types of shapes enable children to be more in tune with the world around them and see the connections between objects. Therefore, it is very important to teach our little ones about shapes, starting with 2D shapes. But how?
This article will help you to know everything that you should teach to your child about 2D shapes, from their importance to some fun activities to teach 2D shapes to your kids.
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What Are 2D Shapes?
Looking for how to explain to your child the meaning of 2D shapes? Refer to these examples for you to teach your child easily.
2D shapes are shapes that have two dimensions only. These types of shapes are flat. Some of the 2D shapes contain corners and sides, while some have curved boundaries.
Examples of some 2D shapes are:
- Circle
- Square
- Triangle
- Rectangle
2D shapes do not have any thickness. These shapes can be measured only by the two dimensions.
How to Introduce 2D Shapes to Preschoolers?
Children are curious to explore and learn about things around them. This growth mindset helps them to sharpen their senses. But parents are often confused about how to help them in expanding their horizons. When it comes to 2D shapes, the following tips can help you to introduce names of 2D shapes to your kids.
- Introduce your kids to the 2D shapes, and then make it a daily routine for them to practice it.
- Use every possible opportunity to make them recognise the 2D shapes.
- Introduce the 2D shapes to them with the help of a game or activity. Some fun and easy activities are mentioned at the end of this article.
- Give your child enough space and time to help them learn the name of the shapes. This will make them comfortable and retain their interest in learning about 2D shapes.
What Are The Properties Of 2D Shapes?
Teaching 2D shapes to kindergarten kids is not easy, but you can teach your kids about 2D shapes with the help of the properties of each shape. Below, we have covered the properties of some 2D shapes that you can teach your child.
1. Circle
It is a round plane figure whose boundary or circumference consists of points equidistant from a fixed point.
Properties of a circle:
- It has 1 curved side
- A semi-circle has 2 sides – 1 curved side and 1 straight side. The full arc is a 180° angle.
2. Triangle
Triangle is a plane figure that consists of three straight sides and three angles.
Properties of a triangle:
- An equilateral triangle is a regular triangle that has an angle of 60°.
- A right-angled triangle is a triangle with one right angle.
- An isosceles triangle is a triangle that has two sides and two angles that are the same.
3. Square
It is a plane figure that has four equal straight sides and four right angles.
Properties of a square:
- All four interior angles of a square are 90°.
- The opposite sides of the square are parallel to each other.
4. Rectangle
It is a plane figure that has four straight sides and four right angles.
Properties of a rectangle:
- A rectangle has four equal interior angles.
- The opposite sides of a rectangle are equal and parallel to each other.
5. Oval
It is a rounded and slightly elongated shape like that of an egg.
Properties of an oval:
- It has one flat, curved face.
- It has no corners or vertices, like squares, for instance.
Ways To Teach 2D Shape To A Preschooler
Are you looking for some activities involving 2D shapes to make learning interesting for your kids? Let’s look at some activities that are fun and entertaining and will help your child understand 2D shapes easily.
1. Use Clay
- Children love to play with clay, so use this to for their education.
- Ask your little one to make 2D shapes using clay.
- You can help them to get the correct shape.
2. 2D Shape Chart
- Make a chart of 2D shapes and hang it in your child’s room.
- Let them see and refer to it daily.
- Encourage them to revise the name of the shapes twice a day till they get a command over shapes.
3. Draw And Identify
- Sit with your child, and on paper.
- Draw one shape at a time and ask your child to tell the name of that shape.
- Once they are aware of the basic shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, and triangles, move on to the more complex 2D shapes.
4. Popsicle Stick Shapes
- Give your child some coloured popsicle sticks.
- Ask them to one make two sets of 2D shapes at a time by pasting their ends together.
- Later you can ask them to decorate it and use it as a photo frame by pasting a photo between the two same shapes.
5. Find Something Of This Shape
- Play the “Find something of this shape” game with your child.
- Give your child a shape by saying, “Find something Circle”.
- Ask them to point at something that is a circle around them, like a ball.
- Keep asking your child for a new shape to point at every time.
6. Shapes In Food
- Be creative and make a 2D-shaped chapati for your little one.
- You can make a round chapati and then cut it into a square, triangle or rectangle shape and serve it to your kid.
- Don’t forget to ask them what shaped chapati they have on their plate today.
7. Cut It Out
- Give your child some craft paper and ask them to draw a 2D shape on it.
- Cut it out using child-friendly scissors.
- Now ask them to make a drawing and paste that shape somewhere in their drawing.
- For example, if they are making a circle with yellow craft paper, they can paste it as a sun in their drawing.
8. Shape Songs
- Songs and rhymes are great educational tools for kids.
- You can help your child learn the name of 2D shapes with the help of shapes songs.
- Check out these two songs that we love!
If you’re holding….
If you’re holding a square stand up!
If you’re holding a square stand up!
If you’re holding a square, if you’re holding a square
If you’re holding a square stand up.
Where is…?
Where is triangle?
Where is triangle?
Here I am, here I am. (children holding triangles hold them in the air)
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you,
Run away, run away. (children hide the shape behind their backs)
Also Read:
Easy Ways to Teach Your Child Basic Counting
How to Teach Backward Counting To Kindergarteners
Sight Words for Kindergarten to Improve their Language Skills
