Learn Shapes for Children

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Updated on: Educator Review By: Michelle Connolly

Learn shapes for Children – 2d and 3d Shape Properties

Learn shapes for Children – An educational math video that will help your child to learn all the 2d and 3d shapes and their properties. Teach your child the 2d and 3d shape names, learn the mathematical vocabulary and understand the different properties. A great video which will support homeschooling, help with homework and allow your child to understand and explore shapes.

This video is suitable for a range of ages from Preschool, Kindergarten and Foundation Stage to KS1, Junior school and KS2.

There are different shapes for children out there and there are different names for them – some might even look the same with some slight differences between them, such as the sphere and the circle for example – and kids should know more about these different 2D and 3D shapes which they might come across during their lifetime.

2d and 3d Shapes for Kids

There is the square, the rectangle, the circle, the triangle, the hexagon, the pentagon, the octagon, the oval, the rhombus, and the trapezium. Every single one of these carries different properties than the other and that is why one will always be different than the other in one way or another (3D Shapes for Kids).

2D shapes (two-dimensional shapes) and 3D shapes (three-dimensional shapes) are different from one another and that is another thing that kids should know about; they should be able to differentiate between the two different types of shapes.

One of the tricky things that parents should teach their kids when it comes to shapes is counting the sides and the corners. A circle has one side and no corners, a rectangle has four sides and four corners, an oval has one side and zero corners, a triangle has three sides and three corners, a hexagon has five sides and five corners, a pentagon has six sides and six corners, and a square has four sides and four corners. These are important differences that let the kids understand the sides and the corners and know how to count them.

Telling the kids more about these shapes and the properties that every single one of them might carry could happen in so many different ways and one of them which we believe is one of the most fun, interesting and attracting for the kids is the videos and the storytelling method which gets the kids more focused and tell them more in a story manner.

Mixing the lessons is another idea that parents homeschooling their kids could follow and depend on and this is one of the ways that would let the kids receive different information through the same lesson or the same method. One of these which we are talking about is the idea of teaching the kids more about the different shapes while at the same time giving them the chance to learn the colors (Shapes and Colors for Kids).

One other thing related to the shapes and understanding them is letting the kids know more about the 3D shape nets and getting to know more about them, you could depend on this video which we have on our channel and teach their kids more about the shapes, their names and know what the shape nets are (3D Shape Nets for Kids).

It is interesting to let the kids watch a video to learn the shapes, give them the chance to know about the names of the shapes and differentiate between them through the wooden or plastic toys which they will be asked to pass them through their right holes and so on, and they could also learn about the shapes through naming the real objects which they might be passing by them daily (Learn the Shapes for Kids).

Always choose the right methods which your kids are going to find interesting and thus will turn out to be effective in the way they will learn more about the shapes, their sides, and their corners and will manage to recall them when they are finished and when you try to show them any of these shapes and ask about its name.

Enjoy watching this video along with your kids and tell us about how effective it turned out to be with them; did they enjoy it? Did they learn anything at the end? Could they recall the shapes?

Help your child to explore the key concepts of number, counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in Maths. Spelling, reading, writing and grammar in English. Help them to develop their imagination and creativity with crafts and to explore a range of skills to cook, bake and create tasty treats and snacks.

A Shape Adventure: Exploring the Wonderful World of 2D and 3D Shapes!

Shapes are all around us, from the screens we look at to the buildings we live in. Learning about these shapes is an essential part of a child’s development, laying the foundation for critical skills like problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and early math concepts.

This guide will take you on a journey through the fascinating world of 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) shapes, introducing some of the most common ones with fun visuals and clear descriptions:

2D Shapes:

  • Circle: A perfectly round shape with no corners and a curved edge that goes all the way around. Imagine a pizza or a ball! Circle shape
  • Square: A four-sided shape with all sides equal in length and all four corners forming right angles (90 degrees). Think of a windowpane or a book cover! Square shape
  • Rectangle: A four-sided shape with opposite sides equal in length and all four corners forming right angles. It’s like a square, but not all sides are the same length! Imagine a door or a table top. Rectangle shape
  • Triangle: A three-sided shape with three straight edges and three corners. There are different types of triangles depending on the length and angle of their sides:
    • Equilateral triangle: All three sides are equal in length and all three corners are equal angles (60 degrees each). Think of a slice of pizza! Equilateral triangle shape
    • Isosceles triangle: Two sides are equal in length and the two corresponding angles are also equal. Imagine a roof! Isosceles triangle shape
    • Scalene triangle: No sides or angles are equal. Imagine a mountain peak! Scalene triangle shape

3D Shapes:

  • Sphere: A perfectly round solid shape with no corners and a curved surface that goes all the way around. It’s like a ball in 3D! Sphere shape
  • Cube: A six-sided solid shape with all sides square-shaped and all corners forming right angles. Imagine a dice! Cube shape
  • Cuboid: A solid shape with six rectangular faces. It’s like a rectangular box! Cuboid shape
  • Cylinder: A solid shape with two circular bases and a curved side connecting them. Imagine a can of soup! Cylinder shape
  • Cone: A solid shape with a circular base, a slanted side, and a single point at the top called the vertex. Imagine a party hat! Cone shape
  • Pyramid: A solid shape with a polygonal base (like a triangle or square) and triangular sides that meet at a point at the top called the apex. Imagine an Egyptian pyramid! Pyramid shape

Demystifying Shapes: Exploring Attributes of 2D and 3D Figures

Shapes are all around us, from the screens we use to the buildings we live in. Understanding their properties is crucial for developing spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and early math concepts. Let’s delve deeper into the key attributes that define 2D and 3D shapes:

2D Shapes:

  • Sides: These are the straight or curved lines that form the complete boundary of a 2D shape.
    • Number of Sides: Different shapes have different numbers of sides. For example, a square has 4 sides, while a triangle has 3 sides.
  • Vertices: These are the points where two or more sides of a 2D shape meet and come together.
    • Number of Vertices: The number of vertices always corresponds to the number of sides in a 2D shape (e.g., a triangle has 3 vertices, and a square has 4 vertices).
  • Angles: These are the measures formed by two sides meeting at a vertex. They are measured in degrees.
    • Types of Angles: 2D shapes can have different types of angles depending on their measure:
      • Right angle: Measures exactly 90 degrees (like the corners of a square).
      • Acute angle: Measures less than 90 degrees (like the corners of an isosceles triangle).
      • Obtuse angle: Measures more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees (like a non-right angle in a scalene triangle).

3D Shapes:

  • Faces: These are the flat, closed surfaces that make up the exterior of a 3D shape. They can be various shapes, like squares, rectangles, circles, or triangles.
    • Number of Faces: Different 3D shapes have different numbers of faces. For example, a cube has 6 faces, while a cone has only 2 faces (a circular base and a curved side).
  • Vertices: Similar to 2D shapes, these are the points where two or more edges (sides) of a 3D shape meet and come together.
    • Number of Vertices: The number of vertices in a 3D shape can vary depending on the specific shape. For example, a cube has 8 vertices, while a cone has only 1 vertex (the point at the top).
  • Edges: These are the line segments where two faces of a 3D shape meet and join.
    • Number of Edges: The number of edges in a 3D shape will often correlate with the number of faces and vertices. For example, a cube has 12 edges (each connecting two of its 6 faces).

Here’s a table summarizing the key attributes:

Attribute2D Shapes3D Shapes
SidesStraight or curved lines forming the boundaryN/A
VerticesPoints where sides meetPoints where edges meet
FacesN/AFlat, closed surfaces forming the exterior
EdgesN/ALine segments where faces meet
AnglesMeasures formed by sides meeting at verticesN/A

Learning Shapes Doesn’t Stop at School: Fun Ways to Integrate Shapes into Daily Life!

Shapes are everywhere in our daily lives, from the food we eat to the buildings we see. By incorporating shape-learning activities into everyday routines, you can transform everyday moments into engaging opportunities for children to explore and solidify their understanding of shapes. Here are some creative ways to infuse your day with shape discoveries:

1. Shape Spotting on the Go:

  • Turn errands into adventures: While on walks, commutes, or shopping trips, transform your surroundings into a shape treasure hunt. Encourage your child to point out and name different shapes they see: round wheels on cars, rectangular windows in buildings, triangular slices of pizza, and so on.
  • Shape scavenger hunt: Create a list of specific shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.) and challenge your child to find them in your neighborhood or park. This encourages observation skills and reinforces shape recognition.

2. Shape Play at Home:

  • Shape sorting fun: Use everyday objects like buttons, coins, or pasta shapes (different shapes recommended) and provide containers for sorting them based on shape. This is a simple yet effective way to practice shape recognition and fine motor skills.
  • Shape building with blocks: Building blocks are classic toys that not only promote creativity but also provide a platform for exploring shapes. Encourage your child to build structures using different shapes, drawing attention to the shapes they use and how they fit together.
  • Shape charades: Play a fun game of charades where players act out different shapes using their bodies. For example, stand with outstretched arms to form a square or bend your body into a triangle. This activity incorporates movement, shape recognition, and creativity.

3. Shape Exploration in the Kitchen:

  • Shape cookie cutters: Baking cookies can be a delightful way to learn about shapes. Use cookie cutters in various shapes and involve your child in cutting out the dough. Discuss the shapes and their names while you bake together.
  • Shape sorting with fruits and vegetables: While preparing meals, encourage your child to help sort fruits and vegetables based on their shape. For example, group oranges (round) with apples (round), bananas (curved), and cucumbers (cylindrical). This promotes healthy eating habits and reinforces shape identification.
  • Shape sandwiches: Get creative with sandwich shapes! Use cookie cutters or create fun shapes by hand. Discuss the different shapes as you prepare and enjoy your lunch together.

4. Shape Stories and Crafts:

  • Read books about shapes: Explore children’s books that focus on shapes. Discuss the shapes you see in the illustrations and encourage your child to point them out and identify them by name.
  • Shape songs and rhymes: Learning about shapes can be fun with catchy songs and rhymes. Sing songs together and encourage your child to move their bodies in ways that represent different shapes.
  • Shape art projects: Provide materials like paper, crayons, markers, and construction paper for your child to create their own shape masterpieces. Discuss the shapes they use and encourage them to be creative.

Remember:

  • Focus on the fun: Learning shouldn’t feel like a chore. Keep the activities light, playful, and engaging.
  • Age-appropriate activities: Choose activities that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
  • Celebrate their learning: Acknowledge your child’s efforts and celebrate their progress in recognizing and understanding shapes.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Why is it important for children to learn about shapes?

Learning about shapes is crucial for developing various skills in young children, including:

  • Spatial reasoning: Understanding the relationships between shapes and objects in space.
  • Problem-solving: Applying shape knowledge to solve puzzles and complete tasks.
  • Early math skills: Recognizing shapes forms the foundation for learning geometry, measurement, and other mathematical concepts.
  • Fine motor skills: Activities like sorting, drawing, and building with shapes strengthen hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

2. How can I make learning about shapes fun and engaging for my child?

  • Incorporate shape-learning activities into everyday routines: Point out shapes in your surroundings, play shape games, create crafts using different shapes.
  • Choose age-appropriate activities: Select games and projects that match your child’s development and interests.
  • Make it interactive: Encourage hands-on activities that involve exploration, movement, and creativity.
  • Focus on the fun and celebrate learning: Create a positive and encouraging environment where children feel comfortable exploring shapes.

3. Where can I find more resources for teaching my child about shapes?

  • Children’s books: Look for books that focus on shapes, with colorful illustrations and engaging stories.
  • Educational websites and apps: Various online resources offer interactive games, activities, and songs to make learning shapes fun.
  • Videos and songs: Catchy songs and educational videos can keep children engaged while learning about shapes.
  • Arts and crafts materials: Provide materials like construction paper, playdough, and markers to encourage children to create their own shapes and express their creativity.

Conclusion:

Learning about shapes is not just about memorizing names and definitions; it’s about opening a door to a world of exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. By incorporating the ideas and resources presented in this guide, you can help your child embark on a captivating journey of shape discovery, fostering a love for learning that will benefit them throughout their lives. Remember, the most important element is to have fun and celebrate the joy of learning together!

Easy to follow activities will support you and your child to learn and practice new concepts as well as enjoy spending time together. Help your child to progress and explore and most importantly – have fun!

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