THINK - MATH
Geometry and Spatial Sense
Help toddlers notice shapes in their world and identify positions in space
At A Glance
Geometry involves recognizing shapes and their properties (e.g., squares have four sides of equal length). Spatial sense refers to knowing your position in space (e.g., the book is on the table). Early geometry and spatial awareness help toddlers understand the world around them. We can support this skill by talking about shapes and their properties and encouraging children to identify objects or themselves by their position in space.What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can help toddlers develop geometry and spatial sense skills
Identify and Label Shapes
Identify Positions in Space
Highlight Spatial Sense
BUILDING YOUR LIBRARY
Books to Support Children's Mathematical Thinking
Round is a Mooncake
Written by Roseanne Thong and illustrated by Grace Lin, this story follows a child as they explore shapes in their neighborhood, as well as the shapes in the food and traditions of their Chinese culture.
Sweet Shapes
Written and illustrated by Juana Medina, this story is filled with sweet and salty treats that take on the recognizable shapes of animals in a forest.
What Will Fit?
Written and illustrated by Grace Lin, this book explores the sizes and positions of fruits and vegetables as a child tries to find the perfect food to fit inside their shopping basket.
Mrs. McNosh Hangs up Her Wash
Written by Sarah Weeks and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott, this rhyming story shows the silly items that Mrs. McNosh hangs up in different places along her clothesline.
Activity Cards for Toddler Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support skills in geometry and spatial sense
Shape & Color Hunt
Challenge children to hunt for shapes and colors in the learning environment.
Shapes in Books
Read books and talk about the shapes the illustrators used to draw the pictures.
Where’s the Beanbag?
Prompt children to place a beanbag in different positions on their body.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills