1-2-3 Come Do Some 2D & 3D Shape Activities With Me So that my students are interested and engaged, I’m always looking for different and creative ways for them to practice shapes. Today's blog showcases my brand new puzzle game, along with the "oldie-but goodie" Lorax craftivity, just in time for a "Celebration of Seuss" for March Is Reading Month coming up. First up are the 3 & 4-piece puzzles that feature 2D and 3D shapes, their attributes, as well as a “real world” example. SHAPES INCLUDED: * 2D shapes: circle, semi-circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, rhombus, trapezoid, heart, star, & crescent. * 3D shapes: sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, pyramid, rectangular prism & triangular prism. Simply pick which shapes are appropriate for your students, then print the colorful patterns on card stock, laminate and trim. I’ve also included black and white templates so that students can make their own puzzles. Children can put them together in an independent puzzle center. To make this a self-correcting activity, number the back of each piece: 1a, 1b, 1c etc. Make an extra set to be used for a Memory Match or “I Have; Who Has?” game. i.e. “I have the triangle word piece, who has the shape and “real life” example pieces?” Students can also sort them into 2D and 3D shapes. I’ve included 2 sorting mats for this. For a whole group comprehension activity, toss the shape pieces into a container. * Children choose one and give the attributes. The color-copies have them listed, where as the BW patterns have this section of the puzzle blank. OR… * Children can give 3 clues about the shape card they are hiding; their classmates guess which shape they think is being described. OR… * Toss the “real life” picture pieces into a container. Students pick one and tell what shape it is. OR… * Toss the word pieces into a basket. Children pick one, read the shape word, then draw a picture of that shape on the board. To practice the “spatial direction” aspect of this standard as a whole group, have children pick a shape piece. Call out directions for children to follow. i.e “Place your shape above, below, between, on, behind " etc. You can see at a glance who is having difficulty. Students can also pick a piece and go on a shape hunt; listing,then totaling up how many items they found in your classroom that are that shape. I’ve included a worksheet for this. Besides using them as individual puzzle pieces, I designed a variety of covers for both the 3-piece and 4-piece puzzles, so students can make an “Itty Bitty” 2D and/or 3D flip booklet. These make a fun homework assignment, something for early finishers or struggling kiddos; as well as an interesting lesson for your sub tub. Next up is "Shapin' Up With The Lorax"; a quick, easy and fun craftivity, with a variety of game options. It's one of my most popular shape craftivities. There's also an emergent reader, which practices capitalization and end punctuation too.I’ve provided both 2D shapes as well as the four, 3D ones. Make a set to use for a bulletin board display. We always get tons of compliments on ours. Make an extra set; cut them in half, and use as puzzles for an independent math center and an interesting way to review symmetry. Play 4-Corner FREEZE; a game that practices a variety of life skills, like listening and following directions, as well as the 2D/3D shape vocabulary, plus recognition, and counting backwards from 10 to 0. My kiddos absolutely LOVE this game. Easy-peasy for me, and only takes a few minutes, so it’s perfect for the end of the day. I’ve included directions in the packet. You can also use the Lorax shapes as big flashcards. Hold one up. Children call out what shape it is, along with its attributes, like the number of vertices. Play “Who’s Missing?” Display a set on the wall. After children leave, take one away. In the morning, children guess which one is missing. I’ve also included a 2-on-a-one-page template, so children can pick their favorite shape and create their own Lorax. For a cute keepsake idea, students can use their hand prints as the mustache, and add accordion-folded legs and arms. (Super fine motor practice!) Have older students write attributes on the back. There are TWO featured FREEBIES today: a 31-page, 2D-shape poster pack as well as a 10-page, 3D shape set. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can use them for anchor charts, a bulletin board, flashcards, centers & games. I've also included a bookmark of the 2D-basic 6, & 3D-basic 4, which students can tuck in their math journals. Well that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by. It's 27 degrees out and snowing, so don't think spring will be along any time soon here in Michigan. Perfect weather to snuggle in and dream up some spring activities as an escape. Wishing you a cozy day. "It's only cold if you're standing still." -Unknown