Here are some ideas to practice with toddlers and preschoolers to learn about outlining shapes. Most kids of varying abilities can derive benefit from this lesson in practicing small motor skills.

Outlining shapes is a head start for kindergarten, and the small motor coordination needed to learn printing and later writing skills.

If some students have learning disabilities that affect this kind of learning, try having an assistant work with them one-to-one doing the exercises for the child to follow.

Start learning about outlining shapes through the kinesthetic games before moving on the making those printed letters of the alphabet.

Games for practice in outlining shapes

If indoors, move furniture to the sides of room to clear a free place to move freely.

Wait at least half an hour before beginning vigorous movement.

Encourage rather than discourage efforts. Time and practice is the key to success here.

1. March in the outline of shapes laid out by masking tape on the floor or carpet - circle, square, triangle or rectangle.

2. A more advanced lesson would be for the teacher to describe the shape and show the pattern to the child for him to follow. Builds concentration. Children can clap while in motion after learning pattern.

3. Have child and partner lay out a named shape with masking tape, and then walk or gallop along the laid out shape.

4. Ask children to arrange themselves while standing and holding hands in a simple shape such as a straight line, circle, square and later triangle. It would be fun to photograph the children in their changing shapes and post the pictures on a bulletin board to visually learn the shapes, also.

5. Have children spread out and arrange themselves along the inner walls of the room and ask them what shape they just made (square, rectangle or other shape).

Homepage for Toddlers and Preschoolers
How to Teach Motor Skills

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Rhythms and Dances for Toddlers and Preschoolers
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Article by Susan Kramer