Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify and create basic geometric shapes using Playdough.
Materials and Prep
- Playdough in various colors
- A flat surface to work on
- Optional: A shape template or cookie cutter
No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.
Activities
- Create Shapes: Show the student different geometric shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles. Demonstrate how to roll the Playdough into balls for circles, flatten it for squares and rectangles, and fold it for triangles. Encourage the student to create their own shapes using the Playdough.
- Shape Hunt: Hide different Playdough shapes around the room. Give the student clues to find each shape. For example, say "Find the shape that has three sides and three corners." Once they find the shape, have them identify it and mold a similar shape using Playdough.
- Shape Sorting: Provide the student with a variety of Playdough shapes. Ask them to sort the shapes into different categories based on their attributes. For example, have them sort shapes with straight sides and shapes with curved sides.
Kindergarten Grade Talking Points
- "Shapes are all around us! We can find shapes in objects like balls, boxes, and signs."
- "A circle is a shape that is round and doesn't have any corners."
- "A square is a shape that has four equal sides and four corners."
- "A triangle is a shape that has three sides and three corners. It can look like a slice of pizza!"
- "A rectangle is a shape that has four sides, just like a door or a window. It has two long sides and two short sides."
- "When we play with Playdough, we can make our own shapes! We can roll it into balls, flatten it into squares or rectangles, and fold it to make triangles."
- "Let's go on a shape hunt! I will give you clues to find different shapes hidden around the room."
- "Now, let's sort the shapes based on their attributes. We can put the shapes with straight sides in one group and the shapes with curved sides in another group."