Geometry: Introducing Squares; Square Eater

Another puppet personality to stimulate interest in learning shapes.

Objectives

Children ages 5 years print or trace simple words FM III
Children ages 4-5 can copy a square FM III
ages 3 can trace a square FM III
and ages 1 ½-2 can point to and or label a square Cog. IIIA
All children participating can identify and draw many possible objects from square shapes

 
 
 

Materials

Mr./Ms. Math puppet; treasure box with felt square inside; flannel board; several colors and sizes of felt squares; "Shape-Eater Puppet" with moveable mouth.

Procedures

1. Mr. Math, in his special voice, asks children to find hidden treasure box.

A shape is found inside and is identified by Mr. Math. "This shape is a square." Put it on flannel board and have children describe it, helping them see it has four corners and four sides the same size. Turn the square to different positions and identify it each time. Show felt squares of different colors and sizes; identify each.

2. Place assortment of squares, circles, and triangles on table. Mr. Math introduces his friend. "I want you to meet a friend of mine. She only eats squares—so she is called "Square-Eater." Mr. Math disappears.

"Hi kids! I'm so hungry! I'm just starved! I haven't eaten a good square meal for days! Do you have any squares to feed me?"

Children feed her squares. She relishes squares but rejects other shapes. (Be careful not to make feeding the wrong shape more exciting than feeding squares). "Thanks, kids! That was a delicious dinner. I'll come back again when you get some of my favorite food. What is it? Say it again—I love that word—Squares!"

Variations

1. Square-Eater can become Shape-Eater and call for different shapes as children become famliar with them.

2. Have children make Shape-Eater paper bag puppets.