Summary

Shape Spotting encourages children to identify shapes in the classroom or environment. It helps connect early maths to real-life objects.

What you need

• Shapes in the environment
• Optional shape cards

Learning focus

• Shape recognition
• Early maths
• Observation
• Spatial awareness

EYLF links

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Children explore classification, noticing, and problem-solving in their surroundings.

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Children learn and use shape vocabulary.

How to do it as an educator

1. Introduce one or two shapes, such as circle and square.
2. Show examples if needed.
3. Ask children to find matching shapes in the room.
4. Invite them to point to, touch, or describe what they found.
5. Repeat with new shapes.

Extend the activity

• Sort items by shape.
• Compare big and small shapes.
• Draw the shapes children found.
• Try shape spotting outside.

Inclusive practice

ADHD / high energy learners

• Let them move to find the shapes.

Autistic children

• Use visual shape cards and predictable routines.

Children with hearing differences

• Use visual demonstrations.

Children with low vision

• Use tactile shapes children can feel.

Mobility needs

• Bring shape examples closer to the child.

Speech or language delay / EAL

• Model one shape word at a time.

Sensory or emotional needs

• Keep the choices simple and limited.

Educator notes

This is an easy way to bring numeracy into everyday routines without formal worksheets.

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