Here are several easy ways to ask that question for an 8-year-old:
- Does this shape look like a ball (globe) or like a tent?
- Is this shape round like the Earth or pointy like a tent?
- Would you say this is a globe-shaped thing or a tent-shaped thing?
- Which does it look more like: a round globe or a triangle tent?
- Does this shape roll like a ball, or stand up with a peak like a tent?
Quick tip to help the child decide: a globe is round and can roll, a tent usually has straight sides and a point at the top. You can show a ball and a small toy tent to make the choice easier.