Preschool Shape Hunt Printable & Activity

Grade Level: Preschool
Idea inspired by: Debbie Haren, Preschool Teacher
Category: Math → Shapes → Early Childhood

Help young learners explore shapes by discovering them in the world around them. This simple, active lesson gets kids moving, talking, noticing, and connecting math to real-life objects.

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Shape Hunt Recording Sheet (Printable PDF)

🎯 Learning Objective

Students will be able to identify and find circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles in everyday objects.

📦 Materials

Real items that show clear shapes
(e.g., paper plates for circles, books for rectangles, blocks for squares, triangle signs, puzzle pieces, lids)
A shape hunt recording sheet with the basic shapes and names printed on it

📝 Lesson Plan

1. Introduce the Shapes

Show each shape on the recording sheet and give real examples around the room:

“Our clock is a circle.”
“The whiteboard is a rectangle.”
“This block is a square.”
“Look at this puzzle piece — it’s a triangle.”

Keep it concrete and visual.

2. Partner Shape Hunt

Have students work with a partner to explore the classroom and find one object for each shape on their sheet.

They can:

Point to the object
Bring the item to the center of the room (if safe)
Take turns finding and naming each shape

This builds observation skills and cooperation.

3. Share & Talk About What They Found

Bring students back to the group area and discuss their discoveries:

“What circle did you find?”
“Who found a triangle?”
“Which shape was hardest to find?”

Encourage vocabulary:
circle, square, rectangle, triangle, sides, corners, round, straight.

This discussion strengthens language skills and math understanding.

🔄 Extensions & Variations

➤ Outdoor Shape Hunt
Take clipboards outside and look for shapes on the playground.

➤ Shape Sorting Center
Create a bin of mixed items for students to sort by shape.

➤ Shape Photos
Let kids take pictures of shapes with a tablet and create a class book.

📌 Teacher Tip

This activity works beautifully during the first weeks of school because it helps students explore the room, talk to peers, and build confidence — all while learning shapes.