Compile a box of square items found in the classroom and at home. Take one item out and explain that a square has four equal sides and four corners. Continue to take one item out of the box at a time, or choose students to pick an object. Discuss what makes each item a square. Do not be afraid to add a few non-square objects into the box so the children can apply problem solving and reasoning skills to explain why the object is not a square.
Using rhythm, movement and music can help preschoolers remember the characteristics of a square. Singing a song about squares daily will help students to review and reinforce the concept. Square songs are easy to make up, but two examples include:
The Square Song -- sung to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine"
I am a square, a lovely square,
I have four sides; they're all the same.
I have four corners, four lovely corners,
I am a square, and that's my name.
What's a Square -- sung to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
What's a square? Now you decide.
It has four sides, all the same size.
One side goes up, one side goes down,
One side's on the top, one's on the ground.
What's a square? Now you decide.
It has four sides, all the same size.
Cut out a variety of sizes and colors of squares. Use different textures such as construction paper, tissue paper, and foam. Give each child a square piece of paper and glue to create their designs. For a fun twist, add sponge paint squares by giving the students a few pre-cut square sponges and tempera paint. The children can dip the sponges into the paint and make square designs on their collages. This could also be an opportunity to reinforce color concepts.
After introducing squares to preschoolers, have the children work with their parents to find a square item at home that is suitable for show-and-tell at school. Each student can take turns showing their item and explaining what makes it a square.
Preschoolers love to help in the kitchen. Serve the students saltine crackers and cheese cubes for snack, explaining that these are edible squares. Alternatively, involve the children in making brownies as a class. Cut the brownies into squares after baking and serve for desert or a snack. You can also provide the students with fixings to make a square sandwich. Include items such as bread, lunch meat, cheese, pickles and tomatoes. The food should be pre-cut for the children to allow easy assembly.
Include literature to reinforce the concept of squares as well as to teach pre-reading strategies. Ask children to identify squares in book illustrations while you are reading. A few children's books about squares include: "One Small Square: Woods" by Donald Silver; "Squares" (Silly Shape Series) by Sophie Fatus; and "Squares" (A Flip Flop Book) by Mavis Smith.