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Pre-K · Week 4 · Early Math

Round and not round

I can sort a ball, a lid, and a square block by shape.

About 12 minutes · Parent-guided · Large blocks, toy animals or other safe counters; avoid choking-size objects

Let’s get started

Today we will explore round and not round through play. Grown-ups can model it first; children can respond by pointing, moving, speaking, or drawing. There is no speed test.

Learn together

  1. Watch together: Sort a ball, a lid, and a square block by shape.
  2. Try it as a team: Sort or compare real objects. Pause, repeat and let the child lead.
  3. Try once more in a new way: Show a pattern with your hands. Celebrate the attempt, not perfect results.

Watch and try an example

Sort a ball, a lid, and a square block by shape.

Show what you noticed

  1. Show or tell a grown-up what you noticed while we explored round and not round. An adult may enter the child's words.
  2. Try it again: Sort a ball, a lid, and a square block by shape. Tell your grown-up which part was fun or surprising.
  3. Draw, point, move, or talk to show what you learned about round and not round. Adults can record an observation instead of requiring writing.

Five optional ways to revisit this week

Choose a few minutes on any days that suit your child; these are ideas, not mandatory daily assignments.

  1. Day 1 · Discover: Sort a ball, a lid, and a square block by shape. What did the child notice about round and not round? A parent may record their spoken answer.
  2. Day 2 · Repeat: Repeat round and not round together slowly. Encourage the child to choose the materials or lead the play. Describe how the child participated in round and not round today.
  3. Day 3 · Change it: Explore round and not round again in a different place or with another set of safe materials. What changed when you tried the activity differently?
  4. Day 4 · Pretend: Invite the child to explain or act out round and not round for a toy animal or family member. Which part could the child explain, show, or imitate?
  5. Day 5 · Celebrate: Let the child choose one favorite part of round and not round to repeat, draw or talk about. What is one skill, observation, or question to remember next time?

Family play extension

Family play extension: Sort a ball, a lid, and a square block by shape. Take a picture or save a drawing if your family wishes. This week's theme is favorite things.

Reflect and grow

What did you enjoy or notice about round and not round? Let your grown-up write down your answer if you prefer to speak.

Open the interactive lesson → View printable activity →