Square, rectangle, triangle, rhombus, circle, heart…. Today, I am sharing a fun shape threading activity: great for fine motor, visual perception and even literacy skills!

Learning about Shapes Activity

Young children are naturally interested in shape and encounter it on a daily base. Learning the names of the shapes is fun with this adaptable threading activity.

You will need:

• Letter beads
• Shape beads
• Pipecleaners
• Printed shape names
• Tray

Preparation:

Set up a space where your child can easily reach the letter beads, shape beads, and pipe cleaners with attach printed names to look like flags.

Play:

Let your child choose a pipe cleaner. Your child can try to read the shape name, or you could help with reading by sounding out the letters.

The child must find the correct shape and thread it onto the pipecleaner. Now he/she can copy the name from the name card, using the letter beads to spell.

With each letter bead added, your child should sound it out, saying the name after completion.

Younger children can simply find the matching shapes. Or, only find the beginning letter together with the shape:

Extension:

• Give verbal instruction to work on following instruction skills
• Make a patter with the beads and child copies
• Talk about shapes for language development
• Count shapes or letter beads
• Compare shape attributes

You might like to see these shape activities:

• All about shapes maths activity
• Free shape picture book
• Free Shape Playdough Mats
• Free Shape Flashcards & Wallcards
• Shape craft for preschoolers
• Build paper shapes
• 25 Shape Crafts for Kids
• Shapes Game from Recyclables
• Free Christmas Shapes Worksheet (cut & paste)

And these fun shape learning toys too: