Sorting objects based on similar and different traits is a basic way to help your child learn about shapes. Blocks that come in different shapes work well for this teaching activity. Say to your child, "Look at these blocks. Some look the same, don't they? Let's put the blocks in piles so the same shapes are together." Another idea is to find objects around the house that are different shapes. Have your toddler put the objects in piles based on shape. In the piles, you can point out that even though the shapes are the same, they might be different sizes. For example, you might say, "This cake pan is a circle and so is this cookie. But the pan is big and the cookie is little."
A hands-on way to help your tot notice differences and similarities is to have him create shapes out of objects. Pipe cleaners work well for creating these shapes. Show him how to bend the pipe cleaner into different shapes. Clay is another option for shape creation. Help your tot mold his clay into different shapes or use cookie cutters to make the shapes.
Crafts gets your tot involved in using the shapes. Your toddler begins to notice the different characteristics of each shape. For a simple craft project, cut out lots of different shapes from colored paper. Your toddler creates pictures by gluing the shapes onto paper. He uses what he knows about shapes to create images. For example, he might use a series of circles to make a caterpillar or a rectangle for a tree trunk and an oval for the leaves. Another option is to use stencils or cookie cutters in basic shapes. Dip the cookie cutters in paint and stamp them onto paper.
Finding shapes in the environment gives your toddler further opportunities to differentiate between shapes. Your tot is likely beginning to notice things around him so it's the ideal time to use those observation skills as a learning activity. A walk around your own neighborhood gives you the opportunity to point out shapes with your youngster. You might point out a triangle on the peak of a house, circles on the wheels of cars, and rectangles in the windows. Another approach is to focus on one specific shape. You could say, "Let's look for as many circles as we can find. Do you see any round circles?"