2D Shape Activities: Gingerbread
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 8
Coordinating Activities
2D Shape Activities: Gingerbread
- Gingerbread shape game mat with a spinner
- Shape and shape word matching cards
- Gingerbread shape clip cards
- 12 shapes: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, heart and star
The three activities use the same shapes, so kids can move from matching to playing on their own.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Paper clip and pencil for the spinner
- Clothespins
- Small counters
Standards for 2D Shapes
These shape activities support early math standards connected to naming, describing and comparing shapes.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. Kids name each shape on the game mat and cards.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.B.3: Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count. Kids match each shape to its word.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.C.1: Child names and describes common 2D shapes and names at least 1 solid 3D shape. Kids name and describe each shape.
- TEKS K.6(A): Identify two-dimensional shapes, including circles, triangles, rectangles and squares as special rectangles. Kids find each shape on the clip cards.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- K.MG.2: Identify, describe, name, compare and construct plane figures (circles, triangles, squares and rectangles). Kids name and compare the shapes.
2D Shape Activities: Gingerbread gives preschool and kindergarten kids three hands-on ways to learn 12 shapes with a sweet gingerbread theme.
Kids spin and cover shapes on the gingerbread game mat, match shapes to their words and clip the right shape on each gingerbread clip card.
Use all three activities in a gingerbread or Christmas unit, or set them out one at a time in a math center.
How to Use 2D Shape Activities: Gingerbread
- Print, laminate and cut apart the game mat and cards.
- Game mat: spin the spinner and cover the matching shape.
- Matching cards: match each shape to its word.
- Clip cards: name the shape and clip the match with a clothespin.
Small Group: Play the game mat together and name each shape.
Math Center: Set out the clip cards with clothespins.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Shape Activities
Every group has a mix of shape and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Start with circle, square, triangle and rectangle.
- Name each shape together.
- Use only the picture side.
- Put a dot on the correct answer for self-checking.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play all three activities.
- Name each shape.
- Read the shape words.
- Check with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Count the sides and corners.
- Write each shape word.
- Find each shape in the room.
- Draw each shape.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name each shape together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Trace each shape with a finger to feel the sides and corners.
- Use real shape blocks next to the pages.
2D Shape Activities: Gingerbread Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Christmas and winter themes
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
