Geometry and Spatial Sense

THINK - MATH

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

Encourage and support children to label shapes in informal ways throughout the day, like this educator does during an art activity.

Identify Positions in Space

Talk about where things are in space. Note how this educator repeatedly uses the word ‘in’ to label where the beanbags are going.

Highlight Spatial Sense

Point out the ways in which children place objects, like this educator does by using the words on top, up, and underneath.

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.

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Shapes in Books

Read books and talk about the shapes the illustrators used to draw the pictures.

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Obstacle Course

Narrate children’s movements as they navigate an obstacle course.

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Where’s the Beanbag?

Prompt children to place a beanbag in different positions on their body.

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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

Geometry and Spatial Sense – Toddler