Fun With Shapes: Hands-On Learning Stations
Shapes are everywhere. Familiarizing your students with the vocabulary of 2D and 3D objects can be a great way to build their excitement about math. There are so many ways to have fun with shapes that include hands-on activities. From building to drawing, your kids will enjoy every minute of learning.
I'm focusing on Math this week in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning Stations series, and today is all fun with shapes.
Fun With Shapes
Start with this free Geometry flip book as a reference for your shape play time.
Build with Straws and Pipe Cleaners. I've never thought of combining these two materials, but the results are pretty fantastic!
I love building with marshmallows and tooth picks (there are some awesome demo cards for making 2D and 3D shapes here), but I love this idea about building with marshmallows and pretzels. Learning and snack combined!
I've also never thought of using licorice to build shapes, but why not?!
Clothes pins can also be a fun building tool to create a variety of shapes.
Bethany from Math Geek Mama has designed some awesome foldable 3D shapes that your kids could color, cut out, and fold.
Foldable 3D Shapes by Math Geek Mama
Geo boards are a great math manipulative that can be used to build simple shapes, or for older students, an opportunity to learn about symmetry, congruency, area, perimeter, and fractions. Grab some free geo board card ideas here or here, and watch your kids build!
Geometric Art - Why not combine art with these cute shape printables. They'll be learning about shapes while creating beautiful designs.
If you have little ones, you can simply use colorful painter's tape to create shapes on the ground, and then have your kids use manipulatives to build the shapes. This looks so fun!
Play dough is also a great tool for shape building. Check out these fun shape mats that you can print out for your young ones to copy and play with.
If you're already studying owls or penguins, these cute ideas will let your kids have fun with silly shapes.
However you decide to let your kids play with shapes, I'm sure they will have fun learning all about these 2D and 3D objects.
How do you help your students play with shapes?
Check out more hands-on learning stations inspiration in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning series! Check back tomorrow for a new inspiration.
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.