Matching Shapes Puzzle!

To begin, collect a handful of items that you would like to trace onto paper. Some ideas could be: a favorite small toy, cookie cutters, or kitchen utensils. The more unique shapes the better!

Based on the child's ability, either have the hold the item in place as you trace around the object on the paper or have the child trace while you hold. Sometimes when you model tracing first, the child is then more eager to try tracing. Your child can help trace the items in an arrangement that they choose onto a single paper or you can draw the tracing on multiple pieces of paper and have a large "floor puzzle."

Next, take all of the items and mix them together in a bowl or bag. Your child then has the opportunity to pick an item out one at a time and match it to the traced outline!

You can extend this play to hiding the same objects around the room/house and then the child points to a tracing and you have to find it. Then the adult can hide the objects and point to the tracings and the child can look for the objects.

To expand the game and make it a bit more challenging, you can cover the objects with a blanket or cloth and have your child guess from memory what objects there are based on the outlines. While guessing, some children enjoy labeling what the object is and/or coloring the outline to make it match the object.

Enjoy! And remember, no pressure - have fun with it and tap into what makes it fun for your family!