Geometry: Shapes with Movement
A good large group
introduction to shapes where the children participate with their whole body.
Objectives
Children ages 2 ½-4 years can follow directions and discriminate
prepositions such as in, around, out, and all actions Lang. IA
Children ages 3-4 can identify shapes such as circle, triangle, square, and
straight lines Lang. IA
and ages 1 ½-2 can match shapes Cog. IIIA
Materials
Draw on the floor with
chalk or tape—squares, triangles, circles, and straight lines. Prepare cards
with shapes (as above) on them.
Procedures
1. In the gym or other large area, have the children stand
around the shapes on the floor. Call out a direction such as "Stand in the
square. Run around the circle. Jump up and down in the triangle".
2. Call out a shape and have the children go stand (lie down, jump up and down)
inside that shape.
3. Have each child pick a card with a shape on it and go to that shape in the
manner that you or another child directs. Example: hop, crawl, fly.
4. Guitar or musical accompaniment encourages movement.
5. Teacher usually tires of this long before kids. Whenever possible, have
rotating child leaders call direction.  Variations
1. Assign a shape to each child (by taping paper shapes on clothing) and have shapes respond to different directions (hop like a bunny) (roll over three times), etc. Keep switching shapes among children for increased challenge.
2. All the children with the same shape cold lie on floor to form that shape with their bodies. Others could take picrtures. Assist and help to increase accuracy.
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