Preschool Shape Sorting Activity

If you are working on identifying shapes with your littles at home or in the classroom, this activity is a fantastic way to introduce preschoolers to the world of shapes, boost their critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for future math success. This shape sorting activity is designed to be hands-on, engaging, and super easy to set up.

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What supplies do you need for the Shape Sorting Activity?

Table of Contents

Printable sorting sheets: You’ll need 8 sorting sheets, each with a different shape (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, star, heart, diamond) and 6 blank boxes underneath. (Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! A link to my free printable sorting sheets is at the end of this post!)
Printable shape pictures: You’ll need 48 pictures in total, 6 for each shape. Each picture should clearly represent an object that is that specific shape. For example, a cookie for a circle, a window for a square, a slice of pizza for a triangle, and so on. (Yep, these are included in the free printable pack too!)
Scissors
Glue stick (optional) This activity can be a one-time activity or you can choose to not glue the pictures and use it as a center.

What do I need to Prep for this Activity?

Print: Print out the sorting sheets and shape pictures. I recommend printing on cardstock to make them more durable, especially if you plan on using them multiple times.
Cut: Cut out the individual shape pictures. If your preschoolers are scissor-savvy, they can even help with this part!

Related Post: Dinosaur Shape Matching Game

How to do the Activity?

Shape Chat: Start by reviewing the different shapes with your preschoolers. Can they name them all? Can they find objects in the room that match those shapes?
Sorting Fun: Give each child a set of sorting sheets and the pile of shape pictures.
Match and Place: Have them look at each picture, identify the shape, and place it in the correct box on the corresponding sorting sheet.
Glue (optional): If you want to create a keepsake or a classroom display, have the children glue the pictures onto the sorting sheets.

Bonus Ideas to Amp Up the Fun!

Shape Hunt: Take the learning off the page! Go on a shape hunt around the classroom or house. Can they find a circular clock? A rectangular door?
Shape Puzzles: Cut the shape pictures in half and have the children match the pieces back together before sorting them.
“What Doesn’t Belong?” Include a few pictures that don’t match any of the shapes on the sorting sheets and see if your preschoolers can spot the odd ones out.

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”

– O. Fred Donaldson

Adaptations for Different Skill Levels:

For younger learners: Start with just 2 or 3 shapes at a time.
For a challenge: Introduce more complex shapes like pentagons, hexagons, and octagons.
Fine motor skills boost: Have children use tweezers to pick up and place the pictures.