Happy March! When this time of year rolls around it can only mean one thing…it’s time to put all of our Valentine’s Day activities away and start pulling out all of the shamrocks, leprechauns, and rainbows! This month is a lot of fun in the classroom and especially so when you lean into that “leprechaun magic”. Come along with me to see 13 different ways to teach shapes in March that all use a fun St. Patrick’s Day theme!
Using Thematic Activities to Teach Shapes
Learning to recognize 2D shapes is one of the big things on our to-do list in kindergarten. It’s something we work on all year long and usually requires a fair bit of practice to fully master. When it comes to keeping engagement high with this topic, I find that one strategy, in particular, helps the most… fun themes!
Every month I use a different set of themed 2D Shape Games in my classroom to make practice fun and engaging. The great thing about these games is that they can be used in a variety of ways. Whether we use them during centers, small groups, or as games – they’re always a big hit! In March, the shape games we use are St. Patrick’s Day-themed and my kids absolutely love them! This bundle is by far one of my favorite ways to teach shapes in the primary classroom! Want to take a closer look? Here’s a look at the 13 ways to teach shapes inside this resource!
1. BUMP!
BUMP is a favorite game in the classroom and my kids always look forward to playing! Here’s how it works – Students play with a partner. Each student starts with 10 cubes in a different color and they will share a game mat. They will take turns spinning a shape and cover it up on the mat as they go. The goal is to try not to get bumped off by their partner.
One student will spin the spinner and place their cube on the matching shape. If there is another player’s cube on the shape, the student can bump it off and claim that shape. If their own color is already on the shape, they can stack it on top. If there are two cubes on the shape, it cannot be bumped off. The first player to use all of their cubes wins!
2. Dominoes
Have you ever played Dominoes in your room? If not – this one is sure to be a new favorite! Students can work independently or with other students to play this game. Each player gets 5 dominoes. They will place one domino piece on the table. Students will take turns using their pieces to try and put a domino on the table that matches a picture already there and place the matching pictures together to form a chain. The chain develops randomly and can go in any direction. If students are working alone, they will do the same thing but place all of the pieces on their own. This game ends when all the pieces are played.
3. Roll and Cover!
Roll and cover is a great option for center time since students can grab a mat and place it on their own. Students will roll the dice and name the shape they rolled. Next, they will then find the matching shape on their board and cover it with a counter. Students will keep rolling and covering until the board is completely filled. Plastic gold coins are a fun option to use for this activity as a way to cover each shape!
4. Count the Shapes
This next activity is one of my personal favorites to teach shapes and informally assess how students are doing. I use these as a quick warm-up in small groups. Each child gets a game mat of their own. I like to laminate these and have the students use dry-erase makers to record their answers. They will look at their page, name the shapes shown, and then count how many they see of each one. Finally, they record their answers in the box. This is so great because if you laminate the mats, you’ll be able to use them over and over in centers, as morning work, or as a table activity for fast finishers in your room.
5. Count and Graph
This next activity to teach shapes is very similar to the last one, but it also targets graphing, too! Students will each get a mat that is filled with shapes. They will count how many of each shape they see and graph as they count. All of the games in this resource come in both color and black and white. You can choose to use the color mats and laminate them, or opt for the black and white mats and have students use crayons. Either way is a great option to teach shapes and practice graphing in the process!
6. Match it Up!
This game is perfect for independent practice. I like to print and laminate these mats for durability and place them in a tub along with a bucket of colored snap cubes. This creates an instant center or morning work activity that’s easy for kids to use all on their own. They will choose a mat and read the code on the side of the mat. Using the color code, they then determine the shape represented by each color and place the matching snap cube on the correct shape on the mat.
7. Spin and Color
Speaking of independent practice activities, this is another great option to teach shapes! Spin and Color has students spin the spinner and color the matching shape. They keep spinning and coloring until all shapes are colored. After all shapes are colored, students will count how many there were of each shape and record in the box. This game is great for those learners who like to add a little color to their papers. This game can be stored in a tub for centers and designated colors like green and yellow can be added to keep with the theme. Or let students choose whichever color they like to add some creativity!
8. Spin and Graph
Looking for another opportunity to practice graphing as you teach shapes this March? You’ll love this activity! Each student gets their own page and will spin the spinner and color one box on the graph in the corresponding shape column. They keep spinning and coloring one box at a time on the graph until one shape reaches the top of the graph. I like to use plastic overlay spinners, or a pencil and a paperclip for these types of games.
9. Color by Code
If you’re always looking for quick and easy no-prep activities to add to your teacher toolbox, you’ll love this activity! Included are a variety of pages with a fun St. Patrick’s Day theme. Students will look at the color code on the side of the page before beginning. Then, they will search for the hidden shape in the picture and color each space the color that matches the code. When all spaces are colored, a hidden St. Patrick’s Day picture will be revealed!
I love this activity because it’s easy for students to start and stop. I have them use these pages if they finish before the group and then save them in their desks to work on later if they have more time.
10. Shape Clip Cards
I always seem to need just one center activity to round out my week. This is when I often pull out these 2D Shape Clip Cards! I prep these ahead of time by printing and laminating. Then, I store them in photo boxes with a small bag of clothespins. Students will choose a box of cards and take a bag of clothespins. They choose a card, look at the image on the left, and determine what shape it is. Then they must find the matching shape in the boxes on the right and clip the clothespin to the correct shape. They repeat this process until they have clipped all of the cards!
11. Shape Puzzles
Do your kids like puzzles? Mine too! That’s what makes this another great activity to teach shapes in March. I prep these ahead of time as well and store sets of them in photo boxes. I find that this helps keep all the pieces together and also makes it easy for students to grab a box to take to their desks. To use, students will look at each of the puzzle pieces and match the corresponding plain 2D shape to the matching 2D shape picture. Students will put the puzzle pieces together to see if they are a match and check their work.
12. Visual Discrimination Cards
If your students struggle to spot the slight differences among 2D Shapes, this is a great option for them! These colorful cards feature one big shape in the center and a bunch of small shapes around the edges. The task is to find the shapes around the edges that match the one in the center. They mark each of these shapes by either hole punching it, marking with a counter or mini eraser, or clipping with a clothespin.
13. BINGO
You know I had to save the best for last, right?! BINGO is my all-time favorite way to teach shapes since we can play as a whole group. I save this one for the end of the day when my students are losing interest and I need to snag their attention quickly! To play, each student gets a card of their own and I use the calling cards to call out shapes. If the student has that shape on their board, they will use a counter to cover it up. I will keep calling out shapes as the students cover their boards. When a student has a straight horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line they say “BINGO” and WIN!
Use Games to Teach Shapes in Your Room
Which of these games was your favorite? I know, I know – it’s so hard to choose! I’ve found that variety is what makes teaching shapes more exciting. That’s why all 13 of these fun games are included in my St. Patrick’s Day Shapes resource! You can use these activities in small groups, with your whole group, during center time, and even assign for independent practice. They make it fun and easy to teach shapes in March, so be sure to check them out!
Want to try a sample of these games first? Simply enter your email below and I’ll send you a freebie. Your students will love these St. Patrick’s Day Shape Clip Cards!
Looking for More March Activities?
Be sure to check out my post, Engaging March Activities for Early Learning, that will help round out your lesson plan!
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This post is filled with fun ways to teach shapes in March! Don’t forget to pin it on your classroom Pinterest board so that you can come back to it when you’re ready.
