Types of shapes for kids

Learn Definition, Different Types & Examples

Everywhere we see objects of different shapes and each shape holds significance and certain properties. So, if you look at a chocolate box, it looks like a rectangle and each piece of chocolate seems square in shape. So, what properties does each shape have and how do identify each shape and distinguish between these shapes, this is a major concern.

Now, let us go through various shapes and understand tips to distinguish between them with the help of properties.

Different Shapes for Kids

Various Geometric Shapes

Image: Different shapes for Kids

We study shapes like squares, rectangles, and a circle. Now, let us understand other shapes in Maths:

Pentagon

The word “Penta” means five. It is a shape having five sides.

Hexagon

Just like the pentagon, the hexagon has the word “Hexa” which means six. Therefore, this shape gets an additional side, which means six sides.

Octagon

The word “Octa” means eight. It means Octagon is a shape having eight sides.

Cone

A cone is like a triangle but it is different from a triangle by its shape.

So, these were some of the different shapes for kids, and enhancing the abilities of preschool kids is easier when they are shown images or objects because they have free minds and can grasp everything at a pace. It’s better to do this at an early age so that your child develops the ability to recognise basic shapes.

Teaching Basic Shapes to Kids In an Interesting Way

Table of Contents

1.	Introduction
2.	Why is teaching shapes so important?
3.	What are the different types of shapes for kids?
4.	How to teach kids with the help of games and activities
5.	Conclusion
6.	About Cuemath
7.	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8.	External References

Kids have dynamic learning capabilities that are enhanced by their observation skills. However, parents need to take tiny steps while teaching preschool kids. Basic shapes and colors impact children. They try to understand their surroundings by looking at the different objects around them. All kinds of objects and structures help kids in learning shapes.  As a parent one should introduce different shapes for kids at an early age. There are various shapes activities for kindergarten that can help kids learn and understand basic shapes.

Here is a downloadable PDF that lists out various shapes for kids. Teaching basic shapes for kids helps them understand their own observations. Different types of shapes for kids. Click on the download button to explore them. 

Basic shapes for kids are being taught at every preschool today. It is important to understand the necessity of shaping activities for kindergarten kids. Few ways in which kids are impacted by basic shapes are:

1. Visual Information
2. Sign and symbols
3. Alphabets and numbers
4. Mathematical concepts
5. Categorization and comparison 
6. Problem-solving
7. Symmetry

1. Kids Learn how to organize visual information

Children observe their surroundings very keenly and encounter different shapes every single day. Teaching basic shapes for kids helps them understand their own observations. The visual information they gather comprises compound shapes that are formed by a combination of basic shapes. Shapes’ names for kids enable them to identify the basic shapes in compound shapes. For instance, when a child looks at a car it appears to be a rectangular box. However, children will learn to identify the compound shapes in a car once they learn basic shapes. 

2. Helps to teach signs and symbols

Symbols are very important for kids. But it will take some time for kids to get used to it. Kids take some time before they can actually name the shapes they see. However, this does not indicate that the kid is unable to comprehend basic shapes. Signs on the other hand impart certain information and details. Basic shapes for kids help them store information in their minds. Kids are usually 5 to 6 years old when they start following signs and symbols

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3. Help kids identify different alphabets and numbers

Toddlers may get confused among all the alphabets they see. As parents, it can be challenging to teach various letters and numbers. Kids tend to mix up similar-shaped letters like “b” and “d”. Patience is important while correcting these mistakes. Learning shapes for kids help them differentiate among the letters. Therefore all the preschools cover learning shapes for kids before moving into Alphabets and numbers.

4. Basic mathematical concepts can be taught

Once a child is comfortable identifying shapes for his /her own, they can start learning simple mathematical operations like addition and subtraction. It is always easier to teach addition than subtraction. Therefore we advise parents to start teaching addition and then venture into subtraction. Basic shapes for kids include balls, matchboxes, dice, etc. So you can pick the object of your choice and start teaching simple maths to your kids.

5. Categorization and comparison

Facial recognition and navigation skills are swiftly developed among kids who can categorize and compare various shapes. As kids learn to differentiate shapes, they understand facial features and their differences. It is also important to note that different shapes for kids imply different geographical locations or features. Have you noticed, in kids’ drawing- mountains and hills are always triangles and houses have a square or rectangle structure with a triangular roof? We do suggest you take a look and understand how kids observe and compare the shapes around them.

6. Problem-solving

Brain development and thinking skills are really important for a kid in preschool or kindergarten. Shapes and colors are directly responsible for brain development. Kids analyze structures and start with 2-D mental mapping and then gradually, as the year progresses, they start 3-D mapping. These mental mapping of shapes plays a crucial role in the development of problem-solving abilities in children.

7. Symmetry

Kids love to play around the parks or fields. This is important for the development of their motor skills. However, kids tend to lose their balance more often than adults. Growing up, we all had cuts and bruises on our knees Over the years these injuries started disappearing even when sports activities became more rigorous. This happens when kids are unable to understand the basic concept of balance and center of gravity. Now even though terms like the center of gravity feel fancy for kids, it is important to teach symmetry with the help of basic shapes for kids. This will help them understand how to position themselves and develop motor skills. 

Different shapes for kids are available ranging from basic shapes to compound shapes. Basic shapes are simple shapes that can not be broken down into simpler shapes by general conventions, examples include square, circle, triangle, etc. Compound shapes can be split into simpler shapes, examples include Arrows, Starts, etc. Let us go through a few shapes to understand better. 

1. Basic Shapes for kids

Shapes like squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles are taught first to kids. Once a child learns how to categorize and name these shapes, they are taught more complex shapes. However, it suggested that ample time is spent on basic shapes for kids. This is because all the shapes are taught at a later stage depending upon the concepts developed during learning basic shapes for kids. It may require a little while for kids to pick up the concept but we suggest parents be patient.

2. Advanced Shapes for kids

Once a child is familiar with basic shapes he/she is ready to learn advanced shapes for kids. These shapes include arrows, stars, and hearts. Advanced shapes do not include 3-D structures in preschool as it may confuse them. Kids with a clear conception of basic shapes will be able to ace this topic quickly. 

Till now, we saw how important basic shapes can be for a child's brain development. Teaching shapes can be cumbersome without activities as children find it difficult to comprehend something that can not be observed. Activities and games will help kids learn while having fun.

Now, we will look into a few activities and games to help your child play and learn. 

1. Flashcard shapes for kids

Flashcards are a really fun and interactive tool while teaching kids. They can be purchased in stores or prepared by hand. You can draw different shapes on cards made out of thick paper to prepare a set of flashcards. Use these cards to play with your child. Ask your kid to pick up a card and name the shape drawn on the card. Maintain a scoreboard and let them beat their own high scores.

2. Shapes for kids chart

Bright and colorful shape names for kid's charts are available in the market. To prepare them at home, you need to draw shapes and write down their names. Colorful shapes are easier to remember for kids. Ask your kids to look at the beautiful chart every day in the morning before going to preschool or kindergarten. 

3. Shapes hunt

Just like a treasure hunt, shapes hunting is fun and easy for preschoolers. Use a set of flashcards with different shapes on them. Ask your kid to pick up one card and identify the shape and once he or she has identified the shape, ask them to find an object of the same shape around the house. This will keep the kids engaged and help them relate basic shapes to their surroundings.

4. Puzzle games

Two types of puzzles are available for kids to learn basic shapes. The first one contains pieces of brightly colored basic shapes for kids. These shapes need to be fitted onboard with hollows similar to the shapes. These boards with pieces of basic shape for kids are available in preschool supply shops and toy shops.

The second type is a conventional puzzle with bigger pieces. Once a child is proficient in basic shapes for kids they can try to join the pieces of a picture together.

We suggest you go for basic puzzles with pictures of fruits and flowers to keep the level easy for your child.  

In the former section, we came across the various benefits of teaching basic shapes for kids. It is one of the most important topics covered in the kindergarten and preschool syllabus. Even though your child may be learning shapes for kids in school, it is suggested that parents help them out with shapes games for kids. This is because the identification of shapes and naming shapes are two different objectives. Kids tend to forget shape names.

Start teaching basic shapes to your child and try to relate them with the objects around you. This will help kids relate the concept of basic shapes with their surroundings. We suggest parents start with basic shapes and gradually move into advanced shapes. Spend more time on basic shapes for kids to build the foundation for advanced shapes. 

Cuemath, a student-friendly mathematics and coding platform, conducts regular Online Live Classes for academics and skill-development, and their Mental Math App, on both iOS and Android, is a one-stop solution for kids to develop multiple skills. Understand the Cuemath Fee structure and sign up for a free trial.

• Regular Shapes are those which have equal sides as well as equal angles. Irregular Shapes are just the opposite,i.e, their angles and sides vary.
• Examples of Regular Shapes are Square, Circle, Equilateral Triangle, etc.
• Examples of Irregular Shapes are Rectangle, Heart, Right-angled triangle, etc.

• Cylinder - Circles
• Cuboid - Rectangles
• Cube - Squares
• Pyramid - Rectangles and Circles
• Tetrahedron - Triangles

• Geometric: These are simple shapes like rectangle, square, triangle, etc. which are geometric in nature. They form the basis of other types of shapes.
• Organic: These shapes are curvier in nature and have a natural feel to them (for example, the shape made after the ink is spilled on a paper is of organic type). These are more soothing and relaxing to the eyes.
• Abstract: These shapes are complex in nature and are mostly used in graphics designing purposes. They are aesthetically beautiful but are not naturally found.

we learn flat and three-dimensional geometric shapes

Masaru Ibuka in his book “After three it's too late” claims that in the first three years of life a child has the highest potential for learning and development, so inaction is akin to a crime.

Of course, we may feel that the child is too small. And what can he learn if he cannot even speak? But the brain of a child, like a sponge, absorbs all the information around it. And it depends on the parents what the child will learn at this age. nine0003

Is it worth it to start learning geometric shapes at such an early age? Undoubtedly. The child lives in an environment of geometric shapes. The knowledge you give should not be divorced from your daily life. Mom is the guide of the baby in this world, and it is absolutely not necessary for her to have a degree in order to tell the child how the world works.

Why should a child learn geometric shapes?

The first three years of a child's life is a period of development of brain cells, when a solid foundation for new achievements is formed. Already at 3-4 months, the baby is able to distinguish forms. This does not mean that the time has come to memorize the names of geometric shapes, but when talking with a baby, a mother may try to use the phrases: “Here is our favorite round saucer”, “Let's see what's in a square box” and the like. nine0003

Knowledge of geometric shapes helps:

• develop spatial thinking, orientation in space;
• broaden one's horizons;
• develop the ability to compare, analyze, summarize and highlight the main thing, classify;
• to replenish vocabulary.

And, of course, the knowledge acquired by a preschooler will serve him as an excellent help in studying mathematics at school.

How to teach geometric shapes with a preschooler? nine0009

1. Education for preschoolers should be built in the form of an exciting game.
2. No need to scold the child if he did not remember the names of the figures from 1 time, even if from 31 - it's not worth it.
3. Do not forget to organically weave geometric knowledge into life: “give a square box”, “take an apple from a round plate”.
4. On the way to the garden, look for rectangular or round objects, compete to find and name the most.
5. In the game arsenal you should have toys of the correct geometric shape - balls, cubes, designer parts. nine0016
6. Usually kids like to help their mother in the kitchen. Get round, square, rectangular molds and bake edible geometric shapes.
7. It is important to use tactile memory when studying figures. It will be much more interesting for a child not only to see, but also to feel, stroke, and maybe even lick the object of study.
8. Load the child's brain in doses, gradually supplementing with information. For example, when studying shapes, repeat colors as well: “Look, what a blue oval it turned out to be.” nine0016

Basic Shape Memorization Techniques

There are many techniques and techniques that will make memorizing shapes interesting for children. The choice of methods will depend on the age and knowledge of the child.

1. Before reaching the age of 1.5, we pronounce the surrounding objects aloud, supplying our story with information about the shape (let's take a round apple).
2. At the age of 1.5 - 2 years, we use pictures, color the figures, use sorters to study the figures. We start with the simplest - the circle. We will connect the rest of the figures only after the child has learned the concept of "circle". nine0016
3. From the age of 2 until reaching school age, we can apply all existing methods, following from simple to complex.

When studying geometric figures, it is important to proceed in stages. You should start with light shapes: circle, square, triangle, rhombus, rectangle, oval. Knowledge of these figures is available for children 2-3 years old.

Older children, 4-5 years old, include in their vocabulary and use the idea of ​​a trapezoid, parallelogram, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, decagon and other polygons. They already know how to analyze, so they can easily compare and find differences between figures. nine0003

Senior preschool children get acquainted with three-dimensional figures: cylinder, pyramid, cube, ball, cone, prism.

Let's analyze some variants of techniques for studying geometric shapes:

1. Sorter - looking for a "house" for each shape. The child will not only remember the figures, but will also develop fine motor skills, coupled with thinking.

2. Modeling . Sculpt geometric shapes with your baby - you simply can’t imagine a better activity for developing fine motor skills of hands and perseverance. nine0003

3. Three-dimensional stickers and magnets depicting geometric shapes can also help the child fix the names of the shapes in memory.

4. Looking for halves of . Cut the geometric shapes into two parts, mix and invite the baby to find the other half.

5. Applications . You can also make a geometric application from cut out figures. For example, a house (square + triangle), Christmas tree, car.

6. Outline dashed geometric shapes .

7. Color or shade the geometric shapes you suggested .

7. Finish the figure according to the sample.

8. Draw figures using stencils.

9. Listen to a fairy tale where the main characters are geometric figures, and then draw what you hear.

10. Put figures of different shapes into an opaque bag and suggest guessing the shape of the object by touch. nine0003

11. An excellent game for the development of memory and attentiveness. An adult prepares cut out figures of different colors and sizes and lays them out in front of the baby. They discuss colors, name the figures, and then the adult hides the figure. The task of the child is to find and name which figure is not.

12. Laying out geometric figures with counting sticks or matches. When the child masters this skill, you can move on to a more difficult level - solve puzzles. For example, remove one match to make a triangle. nine0003

13. Associations . Invite the child to name objects that a circle or rectangle looks like.

14. Laces and various insert frames , for example, Nikitin squares, where you need to recreate a square from several objects, or Segen boards, where you need to insert the missing part.

15. Outdoor games . For example, an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle are drawn on the asphalt. At the command of an adult, the child must find the named figure and stand in it. nine0003

16. Videos . There are a large number of cartoons and educational materials about geometric shapes. Watch the video with the baby and be sure to discuss what you see.

17. Find on the Internet and print out pictures that artists draw with geometric shapes, and invite your child to count how many circles, rectangles, etc. are there. objects (for example, ball = ball). And, of course, to involve the study of the subject through games:

1. Finding a three-dimensional figure from a flat pattern is an excellent exercise for developing spatial thinking.
2. "Sleuth". Children are given an “orientation” - a flat drawing of the desired figure from all sides. Children need to match the pictures and find the right shape.
3. Create a 3D model yourself. An adult can print stencils from the Internet. It remains for the child to bend along the lines and glue to make a figure.
4. Models, origami - you can try with your child to create your own voluminous paper toy. nine0016
5. Constructor. Build a tower or a castle for the princess with the help of details. This game will contribute to the development of fine motor skills, imagination, understanding the properties of three-dimensional figures.

The study of geometric figures should not become torture for a child and an adult. Choose the method that's right for you. Show patience and ingenuity, and then the result will not be long in coming. Most importantly, do not forget to encourage the child for his new discoveries and repeat the knowledge gained from time to time. nine0003

Mathematics and logic for children 7-13 years old

We develop logical thinking through solving plot mathematical problems in an interactive game format

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Geometric shapes: pictures for children

In this section of my blog you can download pictures and coloring pages geometric shapes for kids. Your child will get acquainted with such geometric shapes as: square, circle, rectangle, isosceles triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, heart, oval, star, right triangle, rhombus, kite or kite, cross and semicircle, as well as three-dimensional figures, for example, a cylinder. nine0003

Content

1. Manuals and materials on the topic
2. Application
3. Materials for download
4. Video

Manuals and materials on the topic

All geometric figures for children, their pictures, drawings or coloring separate flashcards and study with your child. They can make great applications.

All presented flat and three-dimensional figures for preschoolers are colorful and bright, they will be a pleasure to play and explore with any kid. nine0003

Pictures, drawings and colorings of geometric shapes for toddlers are designed for both individual use and for group lessons in early childhood schools and kindergartens.

Lessons with cards of geometric shapes develop your baby's horizons, allow you to learn the name and types of different shapes.

Diversify your activities for children with various games with cards of geometric shapes, for example,

1. you can look for objects similar to these geometric shapes in the house,
2. print out two versions with geometric shapes, cut one option into cards and apply to the other,
3. you can also simply print geometric shapes for preschoolers, cut into cards and hang around the rooms at the level of the child's eyes. Sometimes approach the cards and unobtrusively name geometric shapes, and then, when you feel that the baby has learned the information, ask him.

Come up with your own game options.

You can download and print geometric shapes in pictures here for free - click on the picture below. nine0003

Application

An interesting type of work for children can be an application. You can cut out a circle or a square and then ask your child to stick it on the base.

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