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Playdough Shapes

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The GIANT Encyclopedia of Math Activities for Children 3 to 6

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The GIANT Encyclopedia of Math Activities for Children 3 to 6

Materials

playdough

Instructions

1. Give each child a lump of playdough.
Invite the children to make shapes and
figures out of playdough (circles, squares,
lines).
2. After they have a chance to explore
different shapes, ask each child to make
one particular shape.
3. Divide the children into pairs or groups
of three, and ask them to put their
shapes together to make a new shape.
Demonstrate ways they can do this, for
example: "When I put my circle with
Owen's line, we have a hat." "If Claire and Julio
put their circles together, they could make a
snowman."
4. Remind the children that this is a sharing
activity so they may not take their partner's
shape. Each child puts her own shape on the
table and adjusts it as needed.
5. The children might wish to combine their
playdough shapes together into one lump.
Help them create two shapes and see what
they can make with the new shapes.
6. Ask questions, "How many sides does your
shape have?" "How else could you put these
pieces together?"

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Make the most of your instructional time with this fun and adaptable activity. Crafted from our experts in early childhood theory and best practice, this downloadable resource offers play-based activities that will help your students reach learning objectives.