What children will learn
- Recognise and name 2D shapes such as circles, squares, triangles and rectangles
- Notice shapes in everyday objects
- Describe shapes using sides and corners
You'll need
- A phone or tablet with a camera (or paper and pencil to sketch)
- A list of shapes to find
Safety first
- An adult should stay with children at the park and near roads or car parks.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.
- Agree on rules for using the device, and don't photograph other people without asking.
How to do it
- Together, write a 'safari list': circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval and a 3D bonus like a cylinder or cube.
- Head off around the house, backyard or local park. When your child spots a shape, they take a photo (or draw a quick sketch).
- For each find, ask: 'How many sides does it have? How many corners?'
- Aim to find at least two of every shape on the list.
- Back home, look through the photos and sort them into shape groups. Which shape was easiest to find? Which was hardest?
Make it easier
Hunt for just circles and squares, and count how many of each you find.
Make it harder
Add pentagons, hexagons and spheres, or look for shapes that have a line of symmetry.
Parent tip: Wheels, clocks, windows, road signs and paving stones are shape goldmines — steer the hunt towards them if it stalls.
Fantastic work! Every little step helps you grow.