Pre-School Learning Games: Shapes & Colors

 

During this last year I’ve been working with my son to teach him basic principles he will need for Kindergarten – colors, numbers, shapes, etc. His favorite game was always color and shape sorting. I used colored craft foam and cut basic shapes, with these we played a few different games. First, let’s start with how to make the pieces.

I used my Sizzix Big Shot to die cut all of my pieces. I have a variety of basic shape dies, for this game I used my hearts, circles, stars, squares and triangle dies.

I started using my Magnetic Platform to die cut my pieces, and it worked fine if I only cut one shape at a time. But with multiple dies on the platform the thickness was too much because of the foam, so I switched to the Multi-Purpose Platform.

Once my shapes were done, I cut the bottom piece of each foam color to make a mat for color sorting.

 

Here are a few ways you can use these pieces:

1. Teach colors. Mix up the shapes and then set out solid color squares. Let your children match the shapes to the coordinating color.
2. Teach shapes. For this game I cut a heart, circle, star, triangle and square. But you can certainly use a larger variety of shapes!
3. Teach basic math. You can make several of each shape in the same color and ask your child to give you 5 red hearts. Then have your child add 3 green stars, or ask for 2 red hearts back.
4. Create patterns. This game can be played with either colors or shapes. Have your child create a 2 or 3 factor pattern. Heart – Star-Heart -Star. Or Red-Orange-Green-Red-Orange-Green.

How will you use these shapes to teach your child?