Provide models or cutouts of geometric shapes for your preschoolers. Pattern blocks work well too. Have the children count the sides and corners for each shape. Make a chart graph to record the results and let the children present the information to the class.
Cut shapes from sponges and have poster paint available. Give each child a large construction-paper shape. Let them choose from circles, squares and triangles. Have the children make colorful sponge prints using the sponge that matches their paper shape. Let each student write or dictate the attributes of her shape. Use the prints to create a bulletin board display to share what your class is learning about shapes.
The sandbox is an excellent place to experiment with shapes. Have the children build three-dimensional shapes as sand castles, using plastic containers to create sand blocks of different shapes and sizes. Give the children a set of cookie cutters to make sand cookies in various shapes.
Prepare paper shapes of several colors. Hide them inside or on the playground outdoors. Let the children collect the paper shapes and bring them to you. Encourage the preschoolers to put the found shapes in groups. Have a discussion and talk about the shapes they found.
Ask a child to select a paper or plastic shape from a box during circle time. The child can tell the group about the shape. Let the other children take turns and tell what observations they have made. To extend this game, have the preschoolers choose two shapes and compare them. Encourage them to find similarities and differences between the shapes.
Help the children fold a piece of tissue paper several times. Help them to snip simple shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles and semicircles) from the folded paper. Open the paper to find a colorful banner to hang around the classroom. Keep the snips from this activity and have the preschoolers glue them onto construction paper to make a colorful collage.