Did you know that letter knowledge starts with learning shapes? Researchers have found that children recognize their letters by their shapes. The letter O is a circle. Other letters are combinations of circles and lines (b, d, p, q), triangles and lines (A), or even just lines (T, L).
Understanding shapes is also an early math concept. Learning how many sides and angles each shape has, how shapes are similar and different to each other, and how shapes can fit together are all considered early math.
Since shapes are all around us, it’s easy to show them to your child and talk about them in everyday life.
The library has lots of books about shapes to explore, as well.
After talking and reading about shapes, try taking it a step further and have your child make shapes on their own by drawing them. Once children are scribbling or writing on their own, you can find the shapes in their work and point them out. Drawing and writing can be done with crayons on paper, but it can also be practiced outside with chalk, water, or a stick in the dirt.
You can even draw in the air!
Here is a finger play you can do with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:
Make a Shape
Make a circle, make a circle,
Draw it in the sky.
Use your finger, use your finger,
Make it round as a pie.
Draw a square, draw a square,
Make the lines so straight.
Make a square, make a square,
Draw a box in the air.
Draw a triangle, draw a triangle,
Always start at the top.
Make a tent, make a tent,
Use three lines and stop!
-Sarah, Children's Librarian, Martha Cooper Library
Read, Write, Talk, Sing, Play!
When children are given a chance to explore scribbling, draw pictures, and tell stories, they are learning reading skills. Being an active participant in writing helps keep children excited about reading stories.
Read more about early literacy and how you can make a difference in your child's life.
