Shapes & colours
First shapes flashcards
Eight clear shape cards to show, name and print, with hidden labels and a simple answer guide for adults.
2–3 · 3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Tracing activity · Free printable
Shape tracing and matching
A shape can be explored with a fingertip before a pencil ever touches the paper. Use this pack to follow an outline, pause at corners and talk about the route. Tracing is one option: pointing, air drawing and matching a real object to a card are equally welcome ways to join in.
Take a little peek6 items · Original illustrations
circle
square
triangle
rectangle
oval
diamond
Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the tracing activity layout.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Follow different outlines and notice how straight sections and curves make a shape.
A little way to play
- Choose one or two outlines and print at a comfortable size. Put the page on a firm surface.
- Show how to follow the line slowly with a finger. A circle continues round to where it started.
- Offer a crayon or pencil if your child wants one. Let them try the shape without expecting a perfect result.
- Name the completed shape and look for a matching outline in the room. Use another copy for a matching game.
Make it easier
Start with the circle and a large square. Model a short section and let your child complete as much or as little as they choose.
Try a little moreDraw the same shape beside the model or make it larger. Ask which outlines have corners and which do not. Change the orientation and compare again.
For the grown-up
These are outline activities, not instructions for a particular school handwriting style. Stop if holding a pencil is tiring. If a movement is uncomfortable, use pointing or verbal choices instead.
Answers & naming help
Match each outline to its own name: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval or diamond. The diamond is a rhombus; turning any of these shapes does not change what it is.
circle · square · triangle · rectangle · oval · diamond
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Helpful parent guides
Keep the discoveries going.
More shapes & colours ↗Little hands at work
Tracing lines and pencil paths
Straight, curved, wavy and zigzag paths with room to move. Trace with a finger first, then try a drawing tool.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Little hands at work
First cutting practice
Short straight and curved paper routes for supervised cutting practice, with simpler ways to join in.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity