Geometry for Kids Inspiration: hands on learning ideas you can use to teach geometry to children of all ages. A resource for parents and teachers.
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Geometry for Kids: A Hands-on Education Resource
What You'll Find on This Page
Geometry is a part of math that kids are literally never too young to learn! Simple baby toys like shape sorters and wooden blocks teach our infants geometry basics long before they begin to walk and talk.
Somehow, we still get it in our heads that geometry is some terrible subject that you shouldn’t touch until 10th grade. That’s a real shame! Today I’m sharing some really fun geometry ideas for kids that will keep them learning through play throughout their lives.
What Is Geometry?
Geometry is the part of mathematics that looks at points, lines, shapes, and space.
Since our lives are full of points, lines, shapes, and space, this means that geometry is super relevant in our lives! So we all benefit when we start learning about it younger, and keep studying it throughout our lives.
Geometric Shapes Activities for Preschoolers
Preschoolers are fascinated by shapes, so this is the focus of most preschool geometry.
Learning About Geometry with Pattern Blocks
Pattern blocks are my favorite toy for teaching preschoolers geometry. Here are a few fun ways to use this hands-on math toy:
- Sort the shapes. This is an obviously-educational activity.
- Use the blocks to create a mosaic on your wall. My children did this over and over when they were small!
- Free play with pattern blocks. My kids used to get frustrated with the way the blocks slid around, so I came up with this frustration free pattern block play solution.
- Matching with pattern block templates. You can buy these, or print them off the internet and laminate them at home.
- Mixing pattern blocks with play dough. Obviously, the blocks don’t act the way. But that’s actually the point! This allows kids to see shapes at different angles than they would normally appear in everyday life. That experience prepares them for exploring different geometric planes later in life.
Building Pictures with Geometric Shapes
Building pictures out of shapes is a great way to solidify shape names while also learning about angles and surface area. Here are some fun geometric shape building activities with printables to get you started:
Children can also learn a lot about a shape by using the same shape over and over to create a different shape. For example, preschoolers can use dot markers to write their name, or circle stickers to create a picture.
Hands On Geometry Learning Activities for Kids
Since the world is full of shapes, lines, and dots, it’s easy to find hands-on geometry learning activities for kids. I really enjoyed putting together this list with ideas from all over blogland.
All too often, I hear people saying that they are too artistic for math. Did you know that learning how to use perspective in art is a fantastic geometry activity?
Don’t forget to play with math. Activities that don’t feel super educational, like this spring tree pi inspired coloring page, still help develop mathematical awareness.
Geometry and Spatial Awareness
Geometry can also help children develop spatial awareness, as they learn how different shapes interact in the physical world. This knowledge can even go on to help kids become better athletes!
Origami is a simple geometry themed activity that helps children discover the relationship between two- and three-dimensional shapes.
What are your favorite Geometry resources for kids?
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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.