When we think about geometry, we often picture complex formulas and rigid shapes, but for young children, geometry is all about exploring the world through play! Understanding shapes, spatial relationships, and geometry concepts helps build the foundations for problem-solving, creativity, and mathematical thinking. At Edx Education, we believe in making learning fun and engaging, using hands-on experiences to introduce children to key geometric principles.
Why is Learning About Shapes and Geometry Important?
Geometry is one of the first mathematical concepts that children encounter. Recognising shapes, understanding symmetry, and grasping spatial awareness are essential skills that impact everyday problem-solving and early numeracy development. Here’s why incorporating play into geometry learning is so important:
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Develops Spatial Awareness – Understanding how shapes fit together enhances problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
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Encourages Creativity – Exploring shapes allows children to express themselves artistically through design and construction.
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Builds Early Math Skills – Geometry lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts, such as measurement, patterns, and symmetry.
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Enhances Fine Motor Skills – Manipulating shapes and constructing models improves dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
How to Teach Geometry Through Play?
There are endless ways to teach young children about geometry and shapes using play-based activities. Here are some of our favourite ideas for making learning fun and interactive:
1. Get Crafty with Cardboard Shapes
Cardboard is a fantastic resource for hands-on geometry activities. Cut out different 2D shapes—triangles, circles, squares, and hexagons—and encourage children to create pictures, patterns, or even 3D models by stacking and gluing shapes together. This activity helps them recognise the properties of shapes while sparking their creativity.
2. Build with Skeletal Starter Sets
Skeletal Starter Sets allow children to build 3D structures, exploring geometric concepts such as edges, vertices, and faces. As they experiment with different constructions, they naturally develop an understanding of how shapes come together to form larger structures.
3. Explore Pattern Making with Junior Geostix
Junior Geostix is a brilliant tool for children to create geometric designs, patterns, and even letters. The flexible sticks click together, allowing children to form different shapes, explore symmetry, and develop an understanding of how angles work in a playful, hands-on way.
4. Shape Sorting with Linking Cubes
Linking Cubes offer endless opportunities for learning about shape properties, size comparisons, and spatial awareness. Encourage children to build structures by combining cubes, exploring how different shapes fit together, and learning about volume and measurement in the process.
5. Outdoor Shape Hunt
Take learning outside by going on a shape hunt in the garden or local park! Ask children to find objects that resemble different geometric shapes—triangular leaves, circular stones, or rectangular paving slabs. This real-world exploration reinforces their understanding of shapes in everyday life.
6. Design and Create with Tangrams and Pattern Blocks
Pattern Blocks and tangrams encourage children to experiment with symmetry, reflection, and tessellation. They can try to recreate pictures or create their own designs, helping them to understand spatial relationships and problem-solving techniques.
7. Use Everyday Objects to Build 3D Shapes
Encourage children to construct 3D shapes using household materials like marshmallows and toothpicks or straws and playdough. This simple yet effective activity helps children understand edges, faces, and vertices while engaging their creativity.
Encouraging a Love of Learning Through Play
At Edx Education, we advocate for play-based learning because it makes concepts more tangible and engaging. Rather than memorising names of shapes, children actively explore and discover through hands-on activities. This approach fosters curiosity and resilience while helping children develop essential problem-solving skills.
Want more ideas and inspiration? Tune into our Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, where we discuss play-based learning strategies, creative activities, and expert insights into early years education.
Let’s make learning about geometry an exciting and playful adventure for young minds! What’s your child’s favourite way to explore shapes and space? Share your experiences with us!
By Heather Welch, Edx Education UK