Free Printable Shape Apple Matching Game for Fall

Teaching 2D Shapes in Kindergarten

TEACHING SHAPES IN PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN

SHAPE IDENTIFICATION (2D AND 3D SHAPES) IS A KEY COMPONENT OF KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM.

Shape activities for preschoolers and kindergarteners are best when they are hands-on and fun. Children will learn basic shapes with this fun game in no time!

I like to include 2D shapes worksheets, games, dramatic play, and activities in my lesson plans all year. Students are either still learning them, or enjoying a fun game to develop automaticity in naming them or to begin describing them.

I like to teach this apple matching game in small groups first. Then, it’s a great activity to keep at the math center for independent or partner play.

In addition to practicing shape names while graphing 2D shapes, students can begin to describe characteristics of shapes:

• Are the edges straight, curved, or both?
• How many sides?
• How many corners?
• Can you find objects in the room that are the same shape?

What Can Apple Math Activities For Preschool Teach?

kindergarten and preschool shapes

LEARNING SHAPES WITH AN APPLE PRESCHOOL THEME KEEPS STUDENTS ENGAGED.

The 2D shape matching game will draw the attention of your students. From there, you can take the learning into other apple themed activities, or other shape activities!

Apple activities in preschool can cover:

• Math
• Science
• Language
• Alphabet

Why Is It Important For Kids To Learn About Shapes?

Children are naturally curious about everything around them. Learning about shapes is an important foundational skill in math.

Compare and Contrast

Learning shapes helps children’s brains get better at comparing and contrasting objects. It gives them valuable practice sorting and classifying as well.

Numbers and Letters

When children begin to learn letters and numbers, they see them simply as shapes. Background knowledge about actual shapes helps them learn these new “shapes.”

Language

Learning to identify and name shapes gives children new vocabulary. Describing them introduces a whole other set of other math terms that will be expanded upon in future learning.

Spatial Relations

Children build upon spatial relations when they learn to identify shapes. Completing a puzzle or putting shapes into appropriate holes are great ways to put spatial relations into play.

How to Make The Apple Theme Shape Matching Game

Step One:

To prep: Print the apple shape matching game on the white side of the scrapbook paper (or on card stock), laminate, and cut apart the cards.

Extend the Activity:

Mix It Up

Use the cards for differentiated independent matching activities for kids. Depending on the skill level of the student, they can match shape/shape, word/word, or shape/word.

Make a Collage

Create shape collages by finding as my shapes as possible in magazines and gluing them into an overlapping collage.

Sensory Bin

Hide half the cards of one type in the sensory bin. Students must find a card first, then find it’s match or sort the cards onto shape mats according to characteristics.

• Letter Matching Apple Tree Activity
• Apple Lacing Fine Motor Bag
• Bobbing for Apples Fine Motor Activity
• Apple Life Cycle Printable Book
• Apple Number Match
• Apple Life Cycle Hat
• Apple Addition Write and Wipe Cards
• Johnny Appleseed Apple Coverall Games
• Apple Counting Book
• Balancing Apples Up on Top
• Apple Alphabet Puzzles
• Apple Subitizing Cards
• Apple Tree Busy Box
• Apple Ten Frames
• Tracing Letters Printable Apples
• Apple Color Matching Activity