The Shape of Things

The Shape of Things

Yadira Salazar

                                        Author & Illustrator: Dayle Ann Dodds & Julie Lacome

                               

                              Recommended Grade Level: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten

CCSSM Standards:

With guidance and support, explore word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) for understanding of the concepts the categories represent.

Summary: The Shape of Things is a book that introduces children to shapes. It shows children that shapes such as circles, squares, and triangle are seen in our everyday lives and can be anything. The book is filled with colorful illustrations that show children all the shapes we see daily. One if the lines in the book states that “a square is just a square until you add a roof, two windows and a door.” Shapes can be anything. Another page in the book demonstrates how a circle becomes a Ferris wheel. On the last page, there is an illustration of the previous pictures in the book all combined.

Rating: I would rate this book a 5. I think this book is great for young children in preschool and for special education students. The book allows children to look at shapes differently. It helps children understand that shapes are everywhere. Due to the fact that young children are curious, this book can help them discover all the shapes around them.

Classroom Ideas:

1. This book can be used as an introduction to shapes. I would review the vocabulary words. Then ask the students to point to different shapes. Once the students point to the different shapes we would begin to read our book. While reading students will be asked to point or name the shapes. Then students would be divided into groups of two to three students. At each table students would have three bins with a circle, square and rectangle labeled on it. Each table will have different objects and students will be asked to sort the objects into the different bins. The teacher would walk around ensuring the students understand.

2. In my special education classroom, the students are working on matching and sorting. After reading this book, I would have students watch The Shape song on Youtube to activate prior knowledge. Then review the vocabulary words. Since the students in my classroom are nonverbal I would ask them to point to different shape. Then tell students that we will be sorting different shapes. The students will be given their directions at the table and will be shown a model.

Each group will have a different activity with the same goal to sort by shapes. The higher functioning group will sort four different shapes. Another group will sort by three shapes. The early learners will sort by two shapes. Students will be praised for sitting and sorting into the correct bin. The teacher will label the praise for example, I like the way my friend Joe is sitting. The students will then be given a sticker.