Free Printable Apple Theme 2D Shapes Posters for Preschool

Thinking about shapes posters for your classroom this fall? Maybe you’re really on the ball and planning your preschool themes for the ENTIRE school year! Even if you’re behind the ball, so to speak, I have got your back, preschool teachers!

These Free Apple Theme 2D Shapes Posters are amazing! Just think of all the themes they could fit within-Fall, fruit, farming, school, or just plain apples!

overhead view of the quarter-page apple theme preschool 2d shapes poster printables.

overhead view of the "i spy apple shapes" 2d shapes printable worksheet.

overhead view of the full color apple theme 2d shapes posters.

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool

Kindergarten

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Apple Theme 2D Posters & I Spy Supplies:

Paper
Laminating Supplies
Scissors
Writing Utensils

apple theme i spy printable board game for kids.

Learning About 2D SHAPES:

LEARNING SHAPES with preschoolers

LEARNING THE NAMES OF SHAPES GOES FAR BEYOND KNOWING HOW TO IDENTIFY A CIRCLE OR A SQUARE. STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

Visual discrimination
New vocabulary
Characteristics of shapes
Comparing/contrasting/categorizing

Learning shapes builds important foundational skills that children will draw upon later when reading, writing, and conducting science projects.

*Teaching Tip* Shapes are ALL AROUND US! Never let a “teachable moment” go by pointing out shapes on students’ clothing, the shapes of the tables in the room, or even the snack you’re eating!

I love to post the shape posters on a bulletin board and refer to them often throughout the day: circle time, center time, snack time, you get the picture!

This is what’s included in this AMAZING resource:

12 full-page (full color) shape posters: circle, square, triangle, rhombus, oval, rectangle, trapezoid, octagon, pentagon, hexagon, parallelogram, and star.

12 half-page (full color) shape posters.

12 quarter-page shape cards with the words, “I see a…” printed at the top and the shape word printed at the bottom of each card. Hide the cards around the room for children to find and record on the I Spy game board.

In addition to learning the names of 2D shapes for preschool, you can use shapes to teach additional concepts:

Identify/create/extend patterns (start with AB, then progress to more complex ABC/AABB/AAB/ABB)
Count shapes
Sort shapes based on specific characteristics
Use two different shapes to illustrate concepts like addition or subtraction
Introduce 3D shapes, then compare and contrast with 2D shapes

What Can Preschoolers Learn About Shapes?

SHAPES with preschoolers

ASKING STUDENTS TO NAME SHAPES PROVIDES A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR DIGGING DEEPER. ASK YOUR STUDENTS:

How many sides/corners does the shape have?
Are the lines straight or curved?
How is it the same/different than a circle/square/etc.?
Where do you see this shape around you?

Why Is It Important For Kids To Learn Shapes?

Shapes are everywhere! When we teach preschoolers to name them, we are giving them valuable vocabulary as well as forming an important foundation for future learning.

Develop a Child’s Visual Discrimination

Learning to compare, contrast, and classify shapes is a skill that transfers to other curricular areas, like reading and writing.

Fine Motor Skills

Tracing, drawing, and cutting different shapes is awesome for strengthening fine motor skills.

Observe and Categorize

Learning to observe and categorize shapes transfers over to other learning, like science experiments and letter formation.

Enhanced Vocabulary

Describing and naming shapes comes with a wealth of important vocabulary, like lines, edges, corners, straight, and curvy.

Letter Recognition

Learning shapes also help children identify letters of the alphabet because early learners see each letter as a specific shape.

How To Use The Apple 2D Shapes Posters For Preschool

learning shapes with preschoolers

USE THE 2D SHAPES POSTERS FREE PRINTABLE IN A WAY THAT WORKS BEST IN YOUR CLASSROOM. I LIKE TO GET CREATIVE AND USE THEM THROUGHOUT THE DAY, FROM SNACK TIME TO DRAMATIC PLAY.

First, print the shape posters. You can laminate or protect with plastic sleeves, or not, depending on how you will use the resource.

After printing, it’s entirely up to you on how to implement them into your classroom. Use them as a bright and cheery bulletin board, create shape books for each student, or send them home for parents to reinforce learning.

Extend the Activity:

Play I Spy

Use the “I see a…” game cards and recording sheet to play two versions of I Spy. One game includes all 12 shapes, while an easier version contains six basic shapes.

Circle Time

Incorporate a song about shapes into circle time. Choose a student to point to each shape poster as the class sings.

Shape Sorting

Use the shapes poster printables (free) as sorting mats. Place a mixed bin of pattern blocks at the math center and ask students to sort them onto the correct shape mat.