Play the Matching Halves Game

If your child is just learning about shapes, this matching activity is a great way to introduce her to the concept of puzzles. Each craft stick will have only half a shape. She'll have to find the stick with the missing half and place the sticks side by side to complete each one.

What You Need:

• 16 craft sticks
• Markers in assorted colors

What You Do:

1. Take one pair of sticks and line them up vertically side by side. Draw a large shape on the top half of the stick, so that one half is on each stick. Then, draw a smaller version of the shape on the bottom of each stick, half on each one. Some different shapes you can use include circles, squares, hearts, diamonds, ovals, etc.
2. Repeat with each pair so that you have 8 pairs that match up to make a full shape.
3. Mix up the sticks and give them to your child. Challenge her to pair up the sticks to make shapes.
4. While she's working, start a discussion with her about shapes. Help her name the shapes she sees, and talk about the differences between each one.

When she's all done, suggest a game of "Find the Shape." How many different circles can she find in your house? What about squares? As she plays games like this, it will become easier and easier for her to recognize different shapes and their special characteristics.