Lesson Plan
Shape Safari Lesson Plan
Students will embark on a ‘Shape Safari’ around their classroom to identify, name, and sort basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) through hands-on exploration, checklist tracking, and collaborative sorting.
This lesson builds foundational geometry skills and shape vocabulary by engaging young learners in observation, discussion, and sorting. It fosters early math concepts, spatial awareness, and social collaboration essential for Pre-K success.
Audience
Pre-K Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on exploration with checklists, group discussion, and shape sorting.
Materials
- Shape Safari Checklist, - Construction Paper Shape Cutouts, - Laminated Shape Cards, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Small Baskets or Containers, - Clipboards and Crayons, and - Camera or Tablet (optional)
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review and print copies of the Shape Safari Checklist, Construction Paper Shape Cutouts, and Laminated Shape Cards.
- Cut out shape templates and laminate cards for durability.
- Set up the sorting station with Chart Paper and Markers and label baskets for each shape.
- Place Clipboards and Crayons in an accessible area.
- Charge the Camera or Tablet if using for photo documentation.
Step 1
Shape Safari Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle on the rug.
- Display Laminated Shape Cards and review the attributes of circle, square, triangle, and rectangle.
- Explain that today they will go on a ‘Shape Safari’ to find these shapes in the classroom and outdoor area.
- Show the Shape Safari Checklist and model how to mark off a shape when found.
Step 2
Shape Safari Hunt
15 minutes
- Give each child a clipboard, a crayon, and a Shape Safari Checklist.
- Guide students around the classroom or outdoor space to locate real-world examples of each shape.
- When a shape is found, students draw or scribble a quick picture and check off the shape on their checklist.
- Encourage use of vocabulary (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) and discussion of shape attributes (number of sides/corners).
Step 3
Shape Sorting Activity
5 minutes
- Bring students to the sorting station with small baskets labeled by shape.
- Have children place their cutout shapes or drawings into the corresponding Construction Paper Shape Cutouts baskets.
- Ask reinforcing questions: “How many sides does a triangle have?” and “What objects did you find that are circles?”.
Step 4
Share and Reflect
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and invite volunteers to share their favorite shape find.
- Using Chart Paper and Markers, label each shape category and display a sample from each basket.
- Discuss: “Which shape was easiest to find? Which was hardest? Why?”
- Reinforce key vocabulary and praise student observations.
Slide Deck
Shape Safari
Welcome, Explorers!
Today we will go on a 30-minute Shape Safari to find shapes all around us. Get ready to spot circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles!
Welcome students warmly. Introduce the lesson as an exciting adventure. Encourage enthusiasm and curiosity.
Today's Adventure
On our Shape Safari, we will:
• Review four basic shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle
• Hunt for these shapes in our classroom and outdoor area
• Sort and share what we find
Let’s sharpen our shape-spotting skills!
Explain briefly what students will learn and why shapes matter in everyday life.
Meet the Shapes
Circle: round, no corners
Square: 4 equal sides, 4 corners
Triangle: 3 sides, 3 corners
Rectangle: 4 sides (2 long, 2 short), 4 corners
(Use Laminated Shape Cards for visuals)
Show each shape card as you talk. Ask students to name each shape and count sides and corners.
How to Use Your Checklist
- Take a clipboard, crayon, and your Shape Safari Checklist.
- When you spot a shape, check it off.
- Draw a quick picture or scribble of the object you found.
- Keep going until you’ve found all four shapes!
Demonstrate marking off a shape on the checklist and drawing a quick picture.
Let’s Go on the Hunt!
• Walk around the classroom or outside carefully.
• When you find a shape, say its name: “Circle!”
• Check it off and draw it on your clipboard.
• Move on to find the next shape. Have fun exploring!
Lead students out and supervise as they hunt. Encourage shape vocabulary and peer collaboration.
Shape Sorting Station
• Bring your cutout shapes or drawings to the sorting station.
• Find the basket labeled with your shape.
• Place your shape inside the correct basket (circle, square, triangle, rectangle).
Guide students to the sorting station. Help them place their cutouts or drawings in the correct baskets.
Share & Reflect
Let’s talk about our finds:
• Which shape was easiest to find? Why?
• Which shape was hardest? Why?
• What was your favorite object you discovered?
Use Chart Paper to note responses and reinforce vocabulary.
Gather students in a circle and display samples on chart paper.
Great Job, Explorers!
You did it! You found all the shapes on our safari.
Keep looking for shapes everywhere you go—on books, containers, and playground equipment.
Tomorrow, we will play a shape-building game together!
Praise students for their participation and curiosity. Preview next math activity if applicable.
Worksheet
Shape Safari Checklist
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________
Go on a shape safari around our classroom or outdoor area. When you find one of the shapes below, put a check ☑ in the box and then draw the object you discovered in the space provided.
☐ Circle
☐ Square
☐ Triangle
☐ Rectangle
Activity
Construction Paper Shape Cutouts
Use these colorful paper shapes during your Shape Safari for hands-on sorting and exploration.
Teacher Instructions
Materials Needed: Colored construction paper (red, blue, yellow, green), scissors, pencil, ruler, (optional) laminator.
- Print or draw the template outlines below on plain paper.
- Trace each outline onto the specified color of construction paper.
- Cut out at least 5 pieces of each shape:
- Circles (3-inch diameter) – trace on red paper
- Squares (3-inch sides) – trace on blue paper
- Equilateral Triangles (3-inch sides) – trace on yellow paper
- Rectangles (4-inch × 2-inch) – trace on green paper
- (Optional) Laminate cutouts to use year after year and for outdoor hunts.
Usage in Shape Safari
- Place each shape pile in a small basket at your sorting station.
- After the hunt, invite students to pick a shape and drop it into the matching basket.
- Reinforce vocabulary by asking: “How many sides does this shape have?” “What color is our square?”
Template Outlines (for tracing)
Circle: •••••••••••
Square: ■■■■■■■■■■■
Triangle: ▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Rectangle: ▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭▭
(Use a ruler or compass to draw accurate shapes, or enlarge/shrink as needed for different skill levels.)
Rubric
Shape Safari Participation Rubric
Scoring Scale
4 – Exemplary (Consistently exceeds expectations)
3 – Proficient (Meets expectations)
2 – Developing (Approaching expectations)
1 – Beginning (Needs support)
| Criteria | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checklist Completion | All four shapes correctly checked off and detailed drawings included. | Three shapes checked off with recognizable drawings. | One to two shapes checked off with simple drawings. | No shapes checked off or incomplete markings. |
| Shape Identification | Accurately names and describes attributes of all shapes found. | Accurately names three shapes and describes basic attributes. | Names one to two shapes with some prompting. | Cannot name shapes or requires full guidance. |
| Sorting Accuracy | Places all cutout shapes into correct baskets independently. | Sorts most shapes correctly with minimal assistance. | Sorts some shapes correctly with teacher guidance. | Unable to sort shapes correctly, even with support. |
| Participation & Engagement | Actively joins discussion and uses shape vocabulary without prompting. | Participates in hunt and uses vocabulary with occasional prompts. | Engages in activity but needs frequent encouragement. | Limited participation and requires constant support. |
Total Score: __ /16
Use student artifacts (the Shape Safari Checklist, drawings, and sorting results) along with teacher observations to assign scores for each criterion.