Making 3D Shapes (PreK Math)

Shapes are an integral component of the early learning math curriculum. There are two types of shapes 2D (two dimensional; height and width) & 3D (three dimensional; height, width and depth). It is important to be first aquainted with 2D shapes before moving onto 3D ones. We are now building shapes and looking for shape patterns in things around our part of the world. We will move onto learning about how many sides does each shape have and making more 3d shape structures. Here is what we did today:

• Since, my preschooler only learns well with repetition or repeated practice. We started off by reviewing 2D shapes using flashcards. We are practicing the square, triangle, rectangle, circle, oval, diamond, star and heart.
• We then went on a "I Spy Shape Hunt", where I pulled out a shape card and then we went looking/spotting for that particular shape around the house. I did that for all shapes.
• Then we returned to our learning center where I had previously set up the following materials: toothpicks, shape cards and playdough. I did a demontration by placing toothpicks around the shape and then making play dough balls to link the toothpicks together. 

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

Overall, it was a fun project and it can be done with other straight line shapes as well (no curvy lines like circles or ovals). I have also seen many variations of this game where they make a 3D standing triangle or use marshmallows/popsicle sticks. It all depends on what materials you have available and the learning needs of your child.

Have an awesome weekend! 

Annie

Our Learning Stations

Learning stations are an important component in your child's education. They fill the gaps in learning that reading, writing, speaking, and listening may not always accomplish if used by themselves in a lesson. The saying that: "learn by doing" is exactly what learning stations are all about. For example, if you are teaching beginner's literacy then you can have your child work with identifying and matching scrabble tiles on an alphabet sheet. This is more effective than just reading the alphabet in a song. It would be more effective if the child identified or matched letter tiles to a chart that had the matching alphabet with a corresponding picture of an object that begins with the same letter.

So today, I tidied up my teaching resources closet as it was very much needed...here it is:

© Everything Family Guide

What kinds of learning stations do we use to maximize our learning?

~ A Math Basket consists of math games and manipulatives such as dice, counters, coins, etc. I also love using the abacus! Goal of this basket is to practice math concepts using manipulatives.

© Everything Family Guide

~ A Building Basket can contain blocks, and other building materials like paper, cardboard, wood, Styrofoam, etc. Ours contains an assortment of puzzles and blocks. Goal of this basket is to practice our motor skills.

© Everything Family Guide

~ Dramatic Play Station is where you can have hand and finger puppets, dress-up costumes, plays/scripts, etc. We have a good collection of puppets that I love to use when narrating a story (the kids have so much fun and interest when a puppet tells them a story). The kids can also do a puppet show or be a character in your puppet show. Goal of this basket is to practice our social skills such as personal expression and confidence/self-esteem.

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~ Play dough station is the most fun of them all! It's for creating new things and molding new shapes.  It's also a great quiet time activity!  Sometimes we make our own play dough but mostly we buy a non-toxic version of the dough. Goal of this basket is to practice our tactile skills.

© Everything Family Guide

~ A Literacy Station can have anything that caters to the learning needs and age of your child. Goal of this basket is to practice our literacy and improve our communication skills.

© Everything Family Guide

~ Arts/Craft Station is always changing as we go through our supplies pretty quickly. You can have anything from pom poms, googly eyes, feathers, glitters, construction paper, scissors, glue, etc. Goal of this station is to build creativity and imagination.

© Everything Family Guide

Overall, learning stations are integral to completing your child's lessons. They are hands-on (Kinaesthetic) and fun. They change and grow with your child. They cater to all children; serve as a great time filler activity for a kid of any size or add a hands-on component to any subject. 

Keep on learning,

Annie