Play-Based Shapes & Counting Lesson Plan for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Discover a fun and easy lesson plan designed to teach toddlers and preschoolers basic shapes and numbers through play. This complete guide uses simple, everyday materials to help children learn shape recognition (circles and squares) and practice counting with one-to-one correspondence. Packed with engaging activities, including fine motor skill practice with puzzles, a sensory bin option, and differentiation tips, this lesson is perfect for at-home learning or a preschool classroom. Help your child build foundational math skills with our hands-on 'Shape & Number Safari'!

Create Your Own Custom Lesson Plan
PDF

Lesson Plan: Shape & Number Safari

Materials Needed:

  • A simple shape frame puzzle with at least a circle and a square. (If you don't have one, you can cut a circle and a square out of a cardboard box lid to create a DIY frame).
  • 3-5 large, colorful blocks (some square-shaped, if possible).
  • 3 of your child's favorite small toys (e.g., three small toy cars or three stuffed animals).
  • A simple, short picture book about shapes or numbers (e.g., "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" which is great for counting).
  • Optional: A small bin with a sensory filler like uncooked oats or large pasta, with the shapes from the puzzle hidden inside.

Learning Objectives:

  • Objective 1 (Counting): Students will be able to demonstrate one-to-one correspondence by pointing to or touching up to three objects as they are counted aloud.
  • Objective 2 (Shape Recognition): Students will be able to identify a circle and a square by pointing to them when named.
  • Objective 3 (Fine Motor & Application): Students will practice hand-eye coordination by attempting to place shape pieces into the correct slots on a shape frame.

Lesson Activities (Approx. 20-25 minutes)

1. Welcome & Warm-Up: The "Hello" Song (2 minutes)

Goal: To settle in and get ready to learn.

Activity: Sit together on the floor. Sing a simple welcome song to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?" using each child's name.

(Teacher/Parent sings)
"Where is Oliver? Where is Oliver?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, friend?
Very well, I thank you.
Let's go play! Let's go play!"
(Repeat for Mila and Reggie, encouraging them to wave or clap.)

2. Shape Discovery: "I Spy a Shape!" (5 minutes)

Goal: To introduce and feel the shapes in a hands-on way.

Activity:

  1. Take out the circle and square pieces from the puzzle. Hold up the circle. "Look, Oliver! This is a circle. It's round and has no corners." Let each child hold and trace the edge of the circle with their finger.
  2. Do the same with the square. "Mila, look! This is a square. A square has four corners. Let's count them! One, two, three, four." Gently touch their finger to each corner.
  3. Place both shapes on the floor. Say, "Reggie, can you find the circle?" Cheer for their effort, whether they point to the correct one or not. Gently guide their hand if needed. Repeat for the square and with the other children.

3. Counting Fun: The Animal Parade (5 minutes)

Goal: To practice counting with familiar objects.

Activity:

  1. Line up the three favorite small toys. "Look at all the animals! Let's count them."
  2. Slowly and clearly, point to each toy one by one as you count. "One... Two... Three! We have three friends here!"
  3. Ask one of the children, "Can you give me one toy?" Praise their action.
  4. Ask another child, "Can you help me count the blocks?" Use the blocks and repeat the counting process, encouraging them to tap each block as you say the number.

4. Application: The Shape Frame Challenge (8 minutes)

Goal: To combine shape recognition and fine motor skills in a fun problem-solving activity.

Activity:

  1. Standard Method: Place the empty shape frame puzzle in front of the children with the circle and square pieces next to it. "Okay team, let's put the shapes back home!"
  2. Hold up the circle piece. "Hmm, where does the circle go?" Let them try to place it in the frame. Narrate their actions: "Oliver is trying the square hole... nope, not a match! Let's try the round hole. Yes! It fits!"
  3. Repeat with the square, encouraging them to turn and flip the piece until it fits. Celebrate enthusiastically when they succeed.
  4. Creative Twist (Sensory Bin): If using the sensory bin, hide the shapes inside. "Oh no! The shapes are hiding in the oats! Can you dig and find the square for me, Mila?" Once they find a shape, they can then find its home in the puzzle frame.

5. Cool-Down: Shape & Count Story Time (5 minutes)

Goal: To transition to a calmer state while reinforcing the concepts.

Activity: Snuggle up and read the chosen picture book. As you read, point out any shapes or opportunities to count. "Look at that big sun! It's a circle!" or "I see two red birds. Let's count them: one, two."

Assessment (Informal Observation)

  • Counting: Did the child attempt to point to or touch the objects as you counted? Could they hand you "one" object when asked?
  • Shapes: Did the child show recognition when you named a shape (e.g., by looking at or pointing to it)?
  • Application: Did the child actively try to place the shapes in the frame? Did they use trial-and-error to find the correct spot? (Focus on participation and effort, not perfection).

Differentiation and Inclusivity

  • For Extra Support:
    • Focus on only one concept per session (e.g., just the circle, or only counting to two).
    • Use hand-over-hand guidance to help them place the shapes or point to objects.
    • Use lots of praise for any small attempt or interaction.
  • For an Extra Challenge:
    • Introduce a third shape (e.g., a triangle).
    • Increase counting up to five.
    • Go on a "Shape Safari" around the room, asking, "Can you find another circle in our room?" (e.g., a clock, a plate).
  • Inclusivity: The lesson is designed to be inclusive by using each child's name (Oliver, Mila, Reggie), using their favorite toys to build personal connection, and focusing on play and exploration, which allows children to participate at their own developmental level.