Shape
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
This wonderful book provides children with a fresh and informal introduction to both 2-D and 3-D shapes, exploring concepts like tessellation, symmetry, and patterns. It features superb photographs that celebrate the wealth of creativity achievable by combining basic shapes like squares, triangles, and circles, or cubes, cylinders, and cones. The book includes hands-on projects that help children gain a strong understanding of shapes while encouraging them to use their own creativity and imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What shapes did you notice in the book and how do they relate to objects we see around us?
How do different shapes help us in everyday life?
Can you think of a story where shapes helped solve a problem?
Why do you think the author chose these particular shapes to include in the story?
How do you feel when you see different shapes and what do they remind you of?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to look for shapes in their surroundings and relate them to the shapes in the book.
Discuss the functionality and importance of different shapes in everyday objects.
Connect the story to personal experiences where shapes played a crucial role, enhancing relatability.
Praise your child for creative answers and encourage them to think outside the box when connecting shapes to storytelling.
Use shape-based games or drawing activities to deepen the understanding and make the discussion interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: In 'Shape,' various shapes with different colors and sizes come together to create unique images, teaching children that diversity creates beauty and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by appreciating differences among their peers, understanding that everyone's unique qualities contribute positively to group activities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The shapes in the book encounter challenges that they must work together to overcome, depicting the importance of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and work collaboratively to solve problems they encounter in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: As shapes transform into various objects, 'Shape' highlights how imagination can turn simple elements into creative art.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination in play, art projects, and even in daily tasks to think creatively about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The shapes continue trying different combinations and layouts until they successfully create a complete picture, showing the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in completing a puzzle, learning a new skill, or participating in sports.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The shapes must collaborate and fit together perfectly to form the intended image, emphasizing the need for teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each other's contributions in group settings such as in school projects or family activities.