Shapes are the first exposure children get as they start recognising the world around them. They look at basic every-day objects, silently observing how they look, and start to recognise the shapes of eyes, ears and all the facial features in order to identify their family members. Thus, we can say that kids start understanding shapes around them even when they are still unfamiliar with their names and purposes. Let us formally introduce your child to basic shapes with names, as a first lesson in geometry and to improve their vocabulary and observation skills.
Benefits of Teaching Shapes to Children
Here are some benefits of teaching children the shape names in English:
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1. Improved Verbal Skills
While learning shapes for kids, the little ones acquire a varied set of skills, such as verbal communication, that comes in handy when they practice describing the shapes they see.
2. Pre-writing activity
This also plays a role in pre-reading and writing as Kids are getting the basis for number and letter identification.
3. An introduction to Geometry
It is the first step to learning geometry, that will serve as an asset for future math learning.
4. Develops creativity
Children will be able to think creatively when they learn about shapes. These shapes for the basis of many patterns and designs which they will learn in their drawing class.
5. Improves observation skills
It will enhance the kids’ experience in life by encouraging them to observe the world, establishing useful connections between objects and teaching them better appreciation of art.
6. Boosts imagination power
Learning about shapes also makes kids more imaginative as they progress from learning 2-D shapes to 3-D shapes.
Ways To Teach Shape Names For Kids
Following are some creative ways to teach kids about shapes with kindergarten activities
1. Make shapes
Instead of making them directly on paper, you can make them fun by creating them with the help of straws, toothpicks, etc. Ask your kid to make the different shapes themselves using these props. It is one of the best shape activities for preschoolers.
2. Use Objects
You can use things from your surroundings to clear the shape confusion. Tell them about the shape they see in their surroundings. For instance- the table is round in shape; the clock has a square shape, etc. This way, they will get a better understanding.
3. Play a Guessing Game
You can get some shape flashcards from the market for teaching them to your toddlers. You can keep them in front of the kid and ask them to guess the shape. Also, praise them when they get it right.
4. Drawings
You can make a hut, lamp, or other things which include 2-3 shapes. You can cut these shapes and ask your kid to join them to make something out of them. It will increase their mental sharpness as well. This activity will make them learn geometric shapes names.
Different Types of Shapes with Pictures For Kids
When you first start introducing shapes to kindergarten kids, you can begin with basic shapes and then move on to a few more complex shape names for class 1, 2 & 3. Here is a list of shape names you can refer to.
1. Triangle
A triangle is a polygon with three corners or vertices that are connected by three straight lines. A triangle is one of the simplest shapes in geometry, present even in arithmetic. Eg. Who loves nachos? Did you know they are triangle in shape?
2. Trapezoid
The trapezoid is a quadrilateral with no parallel sides, which means its two pairs of opposite sides are not equal in length. The trapezoid is a convex quadrilateral. In the context of mathematics, it is also referred to as just “trapezium.” It has been said that “a good mathematician would never design a building out of an equilateral triangle.” Eg. When you draw a table lamp, the shade on top is typically a trapezoid.
3. Square
A square is a quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles. A quadrilateral is the general name for a four-sided object. The term “square” has been used to describe this shape since the 16th century, and it derives from the French “quatre” meaning four. Eg. Small windows, cushions and even bread slices are square shaped.
4. Rectangle
The rectangle is a four-sided shape with two right angles. The length of the rectangle is equal to its width. A square, on the other hand, is a four-sided shape that has four right angles. It can be thought of as a rectangle that has had an extra line drawn for its side. Eg. Take a close look at the sheets of paper in your notebook. Are they rectangular?
5. Octagon
The octagon has 8 sides, 8 vertices, and 6 edges. It is a geometric shape with the same symmetry as the square. D
6. Diamond
A rectangle with four right angles and two sets of parallel, equal length sides that meet at a point is called a diamond. In geometry, diamonds are also referred to as a rhombus. Eg. Do you like flying kites? They are diamond-shaped.
7. Circle
A circle is a simple closed shape on a plane, such that every point on the circle is at an equal distance from the centre. Eg. Most of the generic cookies and biscuits come in a circular shape.
8. Pentagon
The pentagon (five-sided polygon) is a common shape found in nature and engineering. A standard pentagon has 5 equal sides and angles. Eg. A simple drawing of a small hut can be depicted by learning how to draw a pentagon.
9. Hexagon
The hexagon shape is a six-sided polygon with all six angles equal. With the exception of a regular hexagon, the lengths of the sides are not necessarily equal.
10. Star
Star is the shape of an unbounded polygon. When you look at the stars in the sky, the light that gets reflected in rays gives it the shape that we recognise as a star. Eg. The star fruit and star fish are so named as they resemble this shape.
11. Heart
A heart is a special kind of parallelogram, which you can easily recognise by the two congruent triangles on its sides. It us used to denote a person’s heart and emotions, however, an actual human heart looks much different from this shape. Eg. You will find hearts drawn on many greeting cards as a symbol of love and affection.
12. Oval
An oval is a quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides that are congruent. Eg. An oblong dosa cooked on a pan is usually oval in shape.
13. Cross
A cross is a special kind of square, which you can easily recognize by the four congruent lines that divide it into quarters. Eg. The shape of a crucifix found in a church is called a cross. The logo of First Aid and medical stores also use a red coloured cross to indicate availability of medicine.
14. Sector
A sector is said to be a part of a circle made of the arc of the circle along with its two radii. It is a portion of the circle formed by a portion of the arc and radii of the circle at both endpoints of the arc. Eg. The shape of a sector of a circle can be compared with a slice of pizza or a pie.
15. Cloud
In geometry, a cloud is any set of points whose position relative to each other does not follow any geometric pattern. Eg. The simplest example of a cloud is… well.. a cloud! Look up in the sky and you will see clouds in various shapes that don’t follow any fixed pattern. Another depiction of a cloud shape is when you read dialogues and thoughts in comic books. The shapes within which the thoughts of the characters are written are called thought clouds. When you draw smoke coming out of a chimney, or polluted gas being emitted from cars, you depict those shapes in the form of a cloud.
Also Read:
Easy Ways to Teach Your Child Basic Counting
2D Shapes To Preschoolers With Fun Activities
Diamond Shape Lesson For Kids – Definition Activities and Examples
