How to Teach Your Toddler Shapes

Start to prepare your toddler for school by reinforcing basic skills early on. Shapes are everywhere. Take advantage of every teachable moment by talking about and pointing out shapes when you see them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Watercolors
• Elmer's Glue-All
• Plastic Containers
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Construction Paper
• Different Shaped Toy Blocks

1. Read. Buy and read books that focus on shapes. Your child should be able to recognize shape differences by the age of 18 months. The more you show your toddler shapes, the faster your child will comprehend the differences in shapes.

2. Buy toys that are different shapes or that teach shapes. There are many shape-sorter toys available that will teach your child shapes as well as colors. Buy foam floor mats that promote shape learning.

3. Talk to your child about shapes. There are numerous examples in your daily routine where color will come into play. Say things like, "I see you have a square or rectangle book. You like eating that triangle sandwich, don't you. Do you want me to make triangles or squares for you to eat?" You will be teaching your child valuable language skills as well as shape differences.

4. Point out shapes while you are out of the house. Again, the world is full of shapes for you to show your toddler. Show your child the round fruits at the grocery store. Let you child hold the rectangular and circular monies at the bank. Point out the circular tires on cars. Look at the many shapes on your house and neighbors' houses.

5. Play shape games. Buy different-shaped blocks, and build shape towers. Ask your toddler to get the shape you are building and add a block to the top of the tower. When you clean up, ask your toddler to pick up the square or triangle blocks.

6. Paint. Color. Glue. Cut. Art is the best way to teach your child about shapes and reinforce creativity at the same time. Paint or color shapes on paper while you are doing projects with your child. Cut out shapes, and glue them into objects or just make shape collages.

Tips & Warnings

• Make shapes in the dirt or sand with sticks.
• Draw shapes with chalk on the driveway.
• Your toddler is learning a new skill and will make several mistakes, calling a triangle a circle and so forth. Don't criticize or reprimand mistakes. Understanding will come around eventually.

Who Can Help:

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