Shaping Minds by Learning through Play- Ready, Set, SHAPES!

Shapes are so critically important. They are a concept. A concept is an abstract idea that allows children to better understand the world around them. Learning about shapes supports STEM fields; for example, learning about math (shapes) and then eventually seeing shapes in architecture. Concepts include numbers, letters, colors, and opposites. These are easily assumed as an adult. But, imagine for a minute how abstract concepts are to children.  What are they thinking when you show them a square that is purple and all you say when you point to it is, ‘this is purple’ ?  It is not until it is compared to a different colored square that they begin to differentiate.  Another example, if we were to delve into the mind of a child, is to consider their thought processes when we ask them to draw a line, then stand in a line.  So much to learn.

 Although, children can learn at different paces, learning shapes, colors, numbers, or letters before beginning elementary school is important, because in the scheme of things there is so much to learn.  And much of the curriculum in elementary classes is predicated on such foundation- knowing basic concepts.  Think of basic shapes: circle, square, triangle and rectangle.  Templaytes® puzzle pieces contain all basic shapes with the capacity to create many more complex shapes polygons, stars, parallelograms, and letters for that matter.  Templaytes® bring concepts back to the basics.  With scaffolded instruction, children grasp concepts more readily. Templaytes® at first glance are referred to as tangrams, however, Templaytes® are more than tangrams. Some puzzles in the box set include more then 7 pieces which include circles, curves and arcs.  Curves and arcs lend themselves to instruction when exploring the quality of line.  More on that later.

Back to basic shapes. Templaytes® provide the opportunity for children to see, touch, and manipulate the shapes. To engage children in learning shapes, the process should be more of an experience, rather than, rote memorization.  This is learning through discourse, which allows children to talk about their experiences and share their interpretations. Templaytes® support this suggestion.  For example, a child will see the triangular piece is green. Depending on which set of Templaytes® you use, the triangle can be either: monochromatic (light or dark green) on either side or chalkboard series (green and black). The constant here is the shape- a triangle.  This allows the child to compare and contrast if even unable to articulate it. To further explore the shape, depart from the color and have the child hold the shape in one hand and trace their finger around the shape counting. Count sides 1, 2, 3.  Count corners (later referred to as angles) 1, 2, 3. To identify the shape is really only the beginning.  Application follows.  There is so much more to learn.  The ability to identify shapes is cool, but needs to be explored further.  It is critical that this momentum and time when children want to learn and soak up information- like a sponge is active and on a continuum.  Learning through discourse is the opposite of worksheets and important. Support - Hands On and Screen Free.   SHAPING MINDS