The Importance of Play-Based Learning in Teaching Geometry and Shapes

When introducing young children to geometry, play-based learning is the most effective approach. Exploring shapes, spatial awareness, and early math concepts through hands-on activities helps build problem-solving skills, creativity, and cognitive development. At Edx Education, we champion educational toys that make learning fun and interactive, providing children with engaging ways to develop key mathematical foundations.

Why Learning Shapes and Geometry is Essential in Early Childhood Education

Understanding geometry is a crucial aspect of early childhood education, helping children recognize patterns, improve spatial reasoning, and develop foundational math skills. Incorporating educational toys into playtime offers numerous benefits:

• Enhances Spatial Awareness – Playing with shapes helps children understand how objects fit together, boosting logical thinking.
• Encourages Creativity – Shape exploration fosters creativity by allowing children to build, design, and construct.
• Supports Early Math Development – Learning about 2D and 3D shapes provides the foundation for advanced mathematical concepts.
• Develops Fine Motor Skills – Manipulating educational toys improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Best Play-Based Activities to Teach Geometry with Educational Toys

There are many ways to introduce geometry and shapes to young learners using educational toys. Here are some engaging and interactive activities:

1. Create with Cardboard Shapes

Cardboard is an excellent resource for hands-on learning. Cut out different 2D shapes—circles, squares, triangles, and hexagons—then let children arrange and glue them to create pictures or patterns. This activity reinforces shape recognition and creativity.

2. Build 3D Structures with Skeletal Starter Sets

Skeletal Starter Sets are perfect for teaching geometry through play. Children can build 3D models, discovering the properties of vertices, edges, and faces while developing problem-solving skills.

3. Explore Patterns and Symmetry with Junior Geostix

Junior Geostix is a fantastic tool for hands-on geometry learning. Children can create patterns, letters, and geometric designs while understanding symmetry, angles, and measurement.

4. Develop Spatial Skills with Linking Cubes

Linking Cubes provide an interactive way to learn about spatial relationships. Encourage children to build towers, form shapes, and explore volume concepts through play.

5. Outdoor Shape Hunt for Real-World Learning

Take learning outdoors by going on a shape hunt! Encourage children to identify shapes in nature, such as circular stones, triangular leaves, or rectangular bricks. This activity connects geometry with real-life experiences.

6. Create Geometric Designs with Pattern Blocks and Tangrams

Pattern Blocks and tangrams encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Children can recreate designs or experiment with symmetry and tessellation, enhancing their spatial reasoning.

7. Construct 3D Shapes Using Everyday Materials

Use household items like straws and playdough to build 3D geometric models. This simple yet engaging activity teaches children about shape structures while boosting creativity.

Making Geometry Fun with Educational Toys

At Edx Education, we believe that hands-on play is the best way for children to learn. By incorporating educational toys into early years learning, children can explore mathematical concepts in a fun and interactive way. Whether it’s through building structures, pattern recognition, or real-world shape exploration, play-based learning supports long-term development and a love of math.

For more ideas and expert insights on early childhood education, tune into our Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, where we discuss the best strategies for engaging young learners with educational toys.

What’s your child’s favorite way to explore shapes and geometry? Share your experiences with us!

By Heather Welch, General Manager, Edx Education UK