Materials
None needed
Instructions
1. Make shape pillows in different colors. Put a piece of thin foam in the middle.
Or, cut out shapes from place mats.
2. Sew Velcro to the back of the pillows to help keep them in place on the carpet.
(Wash the shapes in the washing machine when needed.)
3. At the beginning of the year, give each child his own shape and color pillow.
For example, give Julia a red circle, Brian a blue square, and Beth an orange
triangle. Then, everywhere you write his name, also draw his shape and color.
The children will soon recognize their own name by their shape. When the
children can recognize their written names, you do not need to draw their
shape anymore.
4. At Circle Time or Transition times, it is fun to use pillow shapes. Ask the children
to stand on their shapes and wait for directions. Examples of things you
might say are "Everyone stand in front of your shape," "Put your shape on
your head," "Walk around your shape," or "Everyone who has a triangle,
trade with a circle." This is a fun activity that teaches children about shapes
and colors. Best of all, it allows the children to stay in their own space. After
the shapes are used, it is easy to just pick them up.
