Your Child Will Learn
Words we use to describe different shapes
Here’s What to Do
- Head outside with your child for a walk.
- Look for differently-shaped objects at your child’s eye level.
- Point to the objects and talk about their shape. If possible, trace the shape’s outline with your finger.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Try to direct your child’s eyes to the object you’re talking about by saying their name and pointing to it.
ENGAGE
- “Gabriela, look! Those car tires are shaped like a circle.”
- “Leo, see the bricks in this wall? They are all squares. These ones are big squares, and these ones are small squares.”
ENCOURAGE
- Notice what things naturally draw your baby’s attention, and see if you can find any shapes near what they’re looking at.
- “Oh yes, that doggy is very exciting. It has circle-shaped eyes.”
REFLECT
- Build off your baby’s reactions, like this: “Ba ba ba- yeah! You’re noticing the triangles in the spokes of the wheel.”
Not Quite Ready
Even if it doesn’t seem like your baby understands yet, the shape walk will help them begin to understand that we use different words for different shapes.
Ready for More
Cut out simple shapes like a circle, triangle, and square from paper. When you see that shape on your walk, hold out the paper shapes and ask your child to match.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will begin to understand what words are used to describe shapes.
Time to Complete
10-15 minutes
Materials Needed
None