Painting pictures is a common form of artistic expression in preschool. Students use their imagination to paint various figures. Although the common method of painting involves paint, a brush and paper, it's possible to create a learning experience that introduces the concept of shapes. To do this, substitute a sponge for the paint brush. Have your preschool students dip the bottom of their sponge into the paint then stamp it onto a piece of paper. When the students lift their sponge, they see a shape on the paper. Have your students stamp a square, a triangle, a rectangle and a circle. Have them count the sides of each shape and discuss their similarities and differences.
The game of "hide-n-seek" can be used to teach students about shapes. You can play this inside or outside the classroom. This activity should be especially appealing to those students who can't sit still for a lesson. Cut out various shapes from pieces of construction paper. The shapes need to be rather large. One shape per piece of paper is required. Cut out a circle, a square, a rectangle and a triangle. Hide the shapes throughout the classroom when your students are not present. Hang them on the wall, on top of a bookshelf, on the side of your desk or anywhere you think your students will look. Have them walk around the room to locate the shapes. This learning activity enforces shape recognition.
Clay can be used for a variety of preschool activities. Purchase clay from a craft store. Roll out a container of clay to create a flat sheet. You can use a rolling pin to help flatten the clay. Use shape cookie cutters to cut shapes from the sheet of clay. You'll need a square, a triangle, two small rectangles and two small squares. Have your students assemble the shapes to make a house, doing the activity on a piece of wax paper. This prevents the clay from sticking to the surface of the table. Don't forget to write each child's name on the wax paper.
Shapes can be found anywhere. Cereal boxes are rectangular and bracelets are circular. If you look hard enough, you can find shapes on anything. Playing shape match-up will show students this. Give each student a large circle, a large square and a large triangle. Laminate the shapes to protect them from damage. Each shape should be cut from a piece of construction paper. Each shape should be side-by-side in front of each student. Give each student a handful of triangular shaped chips, saltine crackers and round cereal. Instruct the students to place each food item on the shape that most closely resembles it. For example, the triangular chips are placed on the paper triangle. When students have successfully completed the activity, they may eat their treats.