Begin your lesson with a shape hunt to stimulate interest and build on background knowledge. Create a list of shapes as a class and record them on chart paper. If you have English as a Second Language (ESL) students in your class, you can add pictures next to the names on your chart. Once you have reviewed the shapes, go on a shape hunt around your school, playground or classroom. Have students break into pairs and discuss the shapes they found.
Using an overhead projector or white board, draw different shapes for the students to see. Label each shape and point out the characteristics of each one. This part of the lesson can be modified for different age groups by varying the number and types of shapes as well as by the level of vocabulary used for the attributes. Refer to your state's standard for the objects at your grade level. Allow students to draw the shapes with you on their own white board to increase engagement.
Now that the students are familiar with the shapes, allow them to play a shape memory game to reinforce the concept. Create the game beforehand by drawing and labeling two cards with each shape (or use clip art and create it with a word processing program). Break the students into pairs and show them how to mix up the cards and place them face down. Model taking turns to try to find a match and saying the name of each shape as you turn the cards over. The objective is to find the most matching pairs. This game is a fun way for students to practice the shape names.
Give students pictures of shapes without the names. Ask students to label each shape. If the students correctly label the shapes, you will know they have mastered the concept. To reinforce the concept and continue learning at home, ask each student to write about or draw five shapes he or she sees around the house. This homework is easily modified for higher or lower learners by asking them to include more shapes or fewer shapes depending on their abilities.