Geometry-Inspired Activities

Through their work with geometry, children become very aware of shapes in their world! They notice the circular shape of the wheel on their cars or the octagonal shape of the stop sign on the road to school. They even notice the elliptical shape of leaves on the trees in their backyard. Patterns begin to emerge, and children become eager to learn even more about shapes!

Color By Shapes Activity 1 ages 3 and up

Directions: Color the shapes in the drawing using the color-coded key.

Color By Shapes Activity 2 ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: Read each phrase. Color the shape using the color listed.

How many shapes do you see? ages 4 and up

Directions: Color the shapes in each row. Count the number of shapes you see. Write the number in the square.

Which Shape Comes Next? ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: Study the pattern in each row. Draw the picture that is missing based on the pattern you notice.

Shape Collage ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: Color the shapes using crayons or colored pencils. Cut out the shapes and arrange them on a large sheet of paper to create a collage. Use glue or tape to keep the pieces in place. Choose between the mouse collage and the train collage.

Make Your Own Tangram ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: A tangram is a Chinese geometric puzzle consisting of a square cut into seven pieces that can be arranged to make various shapes. Print out the blank tangram template and color each of the shapes a different color. Use your tangrams to create new pictures and designs.

Fun with Shapes ages 5 and up

Directions: Use colored pencils to fill in as many different shapes as possible. Count the number of shapes on the page and record the quantity as indicated.

Geometry Command Cards ages 5 and up

Directions: Read the instructions and follow the commands. Use list paper or writing paper if needed.

Geometry Riddles ages 5 ½ and up

Directions: Read each riddle. Write the name of the shape to which you think the riddle refers. There may be more than one answer! Use the key to check your work.

Tessellations ages 5 ½ and up

Directions: Tessellations are an arrangement of shapes closely fitted together in a repeated pattern without gaps or overlapping. Many regular tessellations begin with a square. Print out the attached PDF to learn how to create your own tessellation. You can draw and color your piece of art, or cut and paste to create a tessellation collage.

Symmetry Activities

Children are often able to look at a shape and determine that it is symmetrical but are unsure of how to describe this feature of shapes. Here are a few activities to help your children become familiar with the concept of symmetry.

What is Symmetry? ages 3 to 6

Directions: Take a moment to read “What is Symmetry” with your children. Review the shapes that are symmetrical and those that are asymmetrical. Older children may read the definition independently but may need help with pronunciation of the words symmetrical and asymmetrical. (What fun words to say!)

Symmetry in Everyday Life Classified Cards ages 3 to 6

Directions: Print and cut out the symmetry classified cards. Admire the symmetry found in plants, animals, and architecture.

Classified Cards with labels:

Classified Cards without labels:

Symmetry Painting Activity ages 3 to 6

Directions: Introduce children to symmetry through painting. Take a heavyweight sheet of paper and fold it in half. Open the paper and add a few blobs of paint to one side. Close the paper and rub the two sides together. Carefully open the paper to reveal a symmetrical work of art! Print out the activity sheet below for supplies, further directions, and examples.

Symmetry Coloring Activity ages 3 ½ and up

Directions: The shapes on this coloring page are all symmetrical. Color the shapes. Cut them out and fold them in half to see that both halves match. Parents of younger children may offer help with cutting as needed.

Symmetry Cutting Activity ages 4 and up

Directions: Choose and print one of the symmetry cutting sheet (stars, butterflies, or leaves). Cut the page in half to create two 8 1⁄2 x 5 1⁄2 cutting activities. Fold the shape along the dotted line. Cut the shape out following the solid line. Unfold the paper to reveal the complete star or butterfly.

Lines of Symmetry ages 5 ½ and up

Directions: Each of the shapes on the page are symmetrical. Color the shapes. Use a ruler to draw a line of symmetry. A line of symmetry is a line that divides the shape exactly in half, and when you fold the shape on the line, the two halves match perfectly. There may be more than one line of symmetry. (see example).