My First Maths: What Shape Is It?
My First Maths Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
This educational book, 'What Shape Is It?', introduces young readers to different shapes through a fun and engaging story. Children will follow the characters as they discover various shapes in their environment, learning to identify and name them. The book encourages exploration and observation, making it an interactive learning experience. It introduces language for discussing shapes, such as faces and sides, and promotes thinking creatively about which shapes fit together well. With colorful illustrations, bright photographs, and easy-to-understand text, this book is perfect for young children beginning to learn about shapes. The title invites readers to join in the shape-finding adventure and enhances children's awareness of numbers and counting. Great for preschoolers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Can you find something in our house that is the same shape as the one on this page?
Why do you think a circle is the best shape for a wheel?
What are some other items that are the same shape as this one?
How would you use these shapes to build something fun?
What's your favorite shape in the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-life examples to connect the shapes in the book to the child’s environment, enhancing their understanding and appreciation.
Encourage the child to draw or create the shapes with clay or play-dough as they see them in the book, improving their motor skills and reinforcing learning.
Ask the child to explain their reasoning when they answer a question, which helps develop critical thinking.
Praise the child's efforts and correct answers to boost their confidence and interest in learning about shapes.
Create a small 'shape hunt' game where the child finds objects of specific shapes around the home or outdoors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Shape Recognition
Explanation: The book introduces various shapes through engaging illustrations and simple text, helping children identify and name different shapes like circles, squares, and triangles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by recognizing and naming shapes in their environment – from the round wheels on a toy car to the rectangular bricks of their favorite building blocks.
Example Lesson: Categorization Skills
Explanation: By grouping shapes together, the book teaches children how to categorize objects based on common characteristics.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children organize their toys, books, and even snacks by grouping similar items together, fostering early organizational skills.
Example Lesson: Comparative Reasoning
Explanation: The book encourages children to compare different shapes and sizes, enhancing their observational and analytical skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to differentiate and sort objects in everyday scenarios, such as choosing the biggest apple from a fruit bowl or arranging books by size on a shelf.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Through interactive questions about shapes, the book promotes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This skill is essential in daily activities like assembling puzzles, fixing simple toys, or navigating through a crowded room by deciding which path to take.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Development
Explanation: By introducing shape names and attributes, the book enriches a child’s mathematical and descriptive vocabulary.
Real-World Application: Enhanced vocabulary allows children to express themselves more clearly and confidently in everyday conversations and during academic activities.