Using 3d paper shapes to learn
Using paper shapes to teach children the basic geometric fundamentals can be a very effective way. Toddlers and preschool children start learning those basic geometric early in life. Although children are exposed to shapes all around them, learning to recognize them is not always easy for them.
A fun way to make children learn about shapes is using their own hands. Making paper shapes crafts is the perfect way to teach children on a fun way those first math concepts.
Kids normally start learning the basic shapes like squares, circles, triangles, etc. To make effective crafts for young children to learn those basic shapes, you have to think about crafts that include those shapes.
I leave you here some paper shape crafts ideas for kids to lear basic geometric shapes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Ntp5lZsF0
A House of Shapes
One fun idea to build with basic paper shapes is a house. Use pre cut paper shapes brought from Creatology paper shapes or paper cutter shapes to get shapes that you need to build the house. A big triangle for the roof, a big square for the house structure, a rectangle for the door and a rectangle for the front door. You can also use a smaller circle to build an attic windows on the roof.
Animal Shapes Crafts
There are a lot of animals that can be represented with basic pre cut paper shapes. For example, you can make a fish using a triangle on the body, another smaller on the tai and final and a circle to create the eye. Another idea can be make an owl with a square for the body, a small triangle for the noose and ears and two circles for the eyes. You can glue these figures on a bigger paper and draw a scene around them or you can glue them on a stick and make them puppets.
Other crafts to learn shapes
Use paper plates as a base to make some animal shapes masks. Use the different geometric shapes to make the mouth, eyes, ears, etc,. Use those shapes on a specific place resembling the features of a specific animal. Another idea is to use old newspapers and create paper mache shapes. For example you can create an Easter Egg by using a ballon and laying over it rips of newspaper with glue (making this way paper mache).
