Go on a Kitchen Scavenger Hunt!

Toss those geometry worksheets! Kids learn about shapes best when they're in three-dimensional form. Turn your kitchen into a scavenger hunting ground; a shape hunt is a great way to bring home the concepts of congruent, non-congruent and similar shapes.

If it's been a while since you've heard those terms, here's a little review: In geometric terms, congruent means exactly the same in size and shape. Similar means different in size, but exactly the same in shape. Now that you've got down the lingo, it's time to get started!

A kitchen, preferably with a wide range of accessories in various shapes and sizes.

1. Review the definitions for congruent, non-congruent, and similar shapes.

2. Now, tell your child that you are going on a scavenger hunt through the kitchen. Start by placing a fork on the counter.

3. Ask your child to locate as many items that are congruent to the selected shape as possible within a set time frame. Then set the timer and get going! (Note: The shorter the time span, the harder the challenge. But to keep the kitchen from being completely destroyed, you might want to allow a little extra time...)

4. Once time is up, take a look at what your child has collected. Review his choices and discuss them. Are all of the items exactly the same in size and shape?

5. Once a congruent hunt becomes a breeze, see if your child can find three non-congruent fork shapes.

6. Find other items in your kitchen and repeat steps 3 and 4. 

As your child gains confidence with this concept, gradually increase the difficulty. Can you find items of unusual shapes and sizes that are more difficult to match? Can your child find all three types (congruent, non-congruent, and similar) at the same time?

If you get bored in the kitchen, try the living room, bedroom or basement!