Materials
shape (circle, triangle, square) cutouts or attribute blocks
bucket of sand or sand table
blindfold
Instructions
l If three-dimensional shapes (such as attribute blocks) are unavailable, cut
shapes out of foam or cardboard.
l Bury the shapes in buckets of sand or at the sand table.
What to Do
1. Gather a group of children in a circle or half circle around the sand and water
table or bucket(s) of sand.
2. Show the children samples of a circle, triangle, and square.
3. Ask the children what the differences are among the shapes. Discuss the
attributes and names of each shape.
4. One at a time, blindfold each child and ask her to pull a shape from the sand.
Make sure the child feels the perimeter of the shape.
5. Challenge the child to identify the shape. Give her clues to guide her to the
right answer if necessary.
6. Repeat with the remaining children.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
l Label each of three containers with one shape name and picture. The
children can use these containers to hunt for shapes and sort them into the
appropriate container as they find them.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l When shown two different shapes, can the children describe their
differences?
l Can the children identify a shape by feeling it? (Consider blindfolding children
to assess this.)
