1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D Shape Activities With Me

Most of my Y5s don’t have any problem learning to identify the 2D shapes, however, when I ask them to find an example of that shape in the “real world” many of them have difficulty.

With that in mind, I designed these quick, easy and fun “I Spy!”  Puzzle Pie activities.

Whenever I'm putzing with a project, I test it out on my 4-year-old grandson, to tweak any "glitches" that may occur. 

Nothing like "kid-tested & teacher-approved".

He absolutely LOVED putting these together.

Even his 2-year-old sister enjoyed placing pieces on the grid, although she did things willy-nilly.

Each shape packet is sold individually for just a dollar.

There are 14, 2D shapes in all: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart, star, semicircle & crescent!

I had a question whether I would consider bundling all of them into one packet. For sure! 

I'm always willing to combine a "collection" of something.  This bundle offers a 40% savings from buying each 2D shape puzzle pie packet separately.

Use the full color patterns as an independent center.  

Simply print, laminate and trim.  I keep the "puzzle parts" for each 2D shape in a large, ZipLock Baggie.

Depending on the shape and clip art available, I’ve included 1-4, “bottom” puzzle grids with matching words, as well as a blank template, so that students can pick and choose, which of the 6-24-different pieces of “real world” 2D shape examples, they want to use to complete the picture puzzle.

For example, I found many more graphics of rectangular-shaped items, so there are 4 puzzles and 24 pieces for the rectangle packet, where as there were a limited number of examples for the hexagon, which has 2 grids and 12 pieces to choose from. 

Even though they are not part of my report card standards, I included the rhombus and trapezoid shapes, as my Y5s use pattern block manipulatives for a variety of our math centers, and I wanted them to be familiar with the vocabulary to describe these shapes.

Beginning readers can practice their decoding skills with the word-filled grids, while younger kiddos can simply place the pictures on the blank grids. 

You can also use the puzzles as an interesting and fun assessment tool. Choose one or 2 picture pieces for each 2D shape.

Hold one up and ask students to identify what shape they see. This will also check that they are using correct vocabulary as well. 

Likewise, ask them to point to a hexagon. This way you know they can identify the shape, but not necessarily remember the name of it.

I also run off an extra set of each of the picture pieces for all of the shapes, to use as a sorting activity. This set is kept in a large ZipLock Baggie. 

As a whole-group activity, I also use this bag to pass out several pieces to each child. We sit in a circle and they show one of the picture pieces, tell the name of the shape and what the "real world" object is.  "Can we spy anything in our room that is also that shape?"

I’ve also included black & white templates, so that students can make their own puzzles to take home. 

The pentagon & hexagon packet also have a volleyball, picture poster.  Tossing or rolling a volleyball to your students, is a quick, easy and super fun way to practice those somewhat "toughie" shapes. 

I think they're a bit difficult to remember because there really aren't that many examples children see or are familiar with, like squares and circles. 

The pentagon packet also includes "irregular" pentagons, as seen with a teabag, pocket or baseball's home plate.

I've also included some interesting information about the "why" home base is an irregular pentagon.  

Since March Is Reading Month, and many classrooms are celebrating Seuss, today's featured FREEBIE also helps practice 2D shapes; as well as letters, numbers 0-120, contractions, colors and more.

I used a sand pail for one container, as well a "flip up" container from a 10-pack of Mr. Clean "erasers", which is perfect for the Grinch's "mouth". 

LOVE the dry sponges too, as they are perfect for getting permanent marker off laminated name cards, so that I can reuse them each year.  Several dishwashing containers like Cascade, also use flip up containers.

 Click on the link to grab the jumbo, "Feed The Grinch" packet.  I hope you find it useful. 

Well that's it for tonight.  I usually zip off a blog article during the day, but life happened this morning, with way too much on my plate all day.  

Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a stress-free week. 

"The greatest weapon against stress, is our ability to choose one thought over another." -William James

1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D & 3D Shape Activities With Me

So that my students are interested and engaged, I’m always looking for different and creative ways for them to practice shapes.

Today's blog showcases my brand new puzzle game, along with the "oldie-but goodie" Lorax craftivity, just in time for a "Celebration of Seuss" for March Is Reading Month coming up.

First up are the 3 & 4-piece puzzles that feature 2D and 3D shapes, their attributes, as well as a “real world” example.

SHAPES INCLUDED:

* 2D shapes: circle, semi-circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart, star, & crescent.

* 3D shapes: sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, pyramid, rectangular prism & triangular prism.

Simply pick which shapes are appropriate for your students, then print the colorful patterns on card stock, laminate and trim. 

I’ve also included black and white templates so that students can make their own puzzles.

Children can put them together in an independent puzzle center. To make this a self-correcting activity, number the back of each piece: 1a, 1b, 1c etc.

Make an extra set to be used for a Memory Match or “I Have; Who Has?” game.
i.e. “I have the triangle word piece, who has the shape and “real life” example pieces?”

Students can also sort them into 2D and 3D shapes.  I’ve included 2 sorting mats for this.

For a whole group comprehension activity, toss the shape pieces into a container.
* Children choose one and give the attributes.  The color-copies have them listed, where as the BW patterns have this section of the puzzle blank.

OR…
* Children can give 3 clues about the shape card they are hiding; their classmates guess which shape they think is being described.

OR…
* Toss the “real life” picture pieces into a container. Students pick one and tell what shape it is. OR…
* Toss the word pieces into a basket. Children pick one, read the shape word, then draw a picture of that shape on the board.

To practice the “spatial direction” aspect of this standard as a whole group, have children pick a shape piece.
Call out directions for children to follow. i.e “Place your shape above, below, between, on, behind " etc.
You can see at a glance who is having difficulty.

Students can also pick a piece and go on a shape hunt; listing,then totaling up how many items they found in your classroom that are that shape. I’ve included a worksheet for this.
 
Besides using them as individual puzzle pieces, I designed a variety of covers for both the 3-piece and 4-piece puzzles, so students can make an “Itty Bitty” 2D and/or 3D flip booklet.

These make a fun homework assignment, something for early finishers or struggling kiddos; as well as an interesting lesson for your sub tub. 

Next up is "Shapin' Up With The Lorax";  a quick, easy and fun craftivity, with a variety of game options.
It's one of my most popular shape craftivities.    

There's also an emergent reader, which practices capitalization and end punctuation too.

I’ve provided both 2D shapes as well as the four, 3D ones. 

Make a set to use for a bulletin board display. We always get tons of compliments on ours.

Make an extra set; cut them in half, and use as puzzles for an independent math center and an interesting way to review symmetry.

Play 4-Corner FREEZE; a game that practices a variety of life skills, like listening and following directions, as well as the 2D/3D shape vocabulary, plus recognition, and counting backwards from 10 to 0.

My kiddos absolutely LOVE this game. Easy-peasy for me, and only takes a few minutes, so it’s perfect for the end of the day. I’ve included directions in the packet.

You can also use the Lorax shapes as big flashcards. Hold one up. Children call out what shape it is, along with its attributes, like the number of vertices.

Play “Who’s Missing?” Display a set on the wall. After children leave, take one away. In the morning, children guess which one is missing.

I’ve also included a 2-on-a-one-page template, so children can pick their favorite shape and create their own Lorax.

For a cute keepsake idea, students can use their hand prints as the mustache, and add accordion-folded legs and arms. (Super fine motor practice!) 

Have older students write attributes on the back. 

There are TWO featured FREEBIES today: a 31-page, 2D-shape poster pack   as well as a 10-page, 3D shape set.

They come in a variety of sizes, so you can use them for anchor charts, a bulletin board, flashcards, centers & games.

I've also included a bookmark of the 2D-basic 6, & 3D-basic 4, which students can tuck in their math journals. 

Well that's it for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

It's 27 degrees out and snowing, so don't think spring will be along any time soon here in Michigan. 

Perfect weather to snuggle in and dream up some spring activities as an escape. 

Wishing you a cozy day.

"It's only cold if you're standing still." -Unknown