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 Preschool 2D Shapes Poster Printables are amazing! Just think of all the themes they could fit within-Fall, fruit, farming, school, or just plain apples!
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.
More Shape Activities for Kids:
Dive deep into shapes with these fun tools!
Keep your craft supplies stocked and these shape activities on hand for that moment after you visit the apple orchard, the apple pie is in the oven, and you need a distraction!
Roylco Inc. Really Big Buttons 60/Pkg.Melissa & Doug Shapes Wooden Chunky Puzzle (8 pcs)
1035 Pcs 15 Colors 3 Sizes 22 Shape Bulk Foam Stickers Self-Adhesive Foam Geometry Shapes Stickers Assortment Craft Supplies for Kids Classroom Art Crafts Projects Collages Mosaics Math Activities
12 Pieces Geometric Shapes Stencils Template Set for Kids Children Simple Shapes Drawing Stencils Colorful Art Painting Template for Toddlers and Preschooler Learning Tools, Craft Supplies, 6 Colors
Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy With 2-Sided Activity Bag and 9 Textured Shape Blocks
Tools you’ll need
For a printer, I highly recommend an HP printer that is compatible with the Instant Ink program. It saves me TONS of money on ink!! I get to print in color as much as I want with no huge cost for buying all the ink cartridges.
PLUS, you can refer friends and earn free months of printing. Super helpful for back to school!
Learn more about Instant Ink and the compatible printers here. If you sign up, you will get a FREE month!
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.
Other Ways To Use Apple Preschool Shapes Posters:
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.
Or grab this Apple I Spy Counting Worksheet. <<<
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.
Sensory Bin
Incorporate sensory play and use the apple printables for preschool as playdough mats at your apple-themed sensory bin.
Counting Skills
Work on counting skills with these fun apple counting and math activities for preschool.
Play a Game
Continue learning about apples with more fun preschool apple theme activities.
Some of our Favorite Shape Books for Kids:
We can’t live without these!
Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with these engaging resources:
ApplesHello, World! How Do Apples Grow?
Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship
Apples for Everyone (Picture the Seasons)
Apples, Apples, Apples
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)
Applesauce Day
The Poisoned Apple: A Fractured Fairy Tale
How Do Apples Grow?
Apple Pie Fourth of July
More from our Shop
Find even more engaging activities in the Life Over C’s shop!