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.
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.
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.
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