The "Guidelines for Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Experiences" from Massachusetts provide a comprehensive framework for early childhood education. One key area of focus is math and science, including the development of foundational skills in classification and measurement. Specifically, the guidelines state that preschoolers should be able to "sort and classify objects by one attribute, such as shape."

To support this learning goal, the following is a sample lesson plan for preschool children that helps them learn how to classify objects by shape.

Title: Shape Sorting

Objective: Students will be able to sort objects by shape.

Materials:

• A variety of objects like blocks, shape sorters, and other things that can be found in the classroom in different shapes (e.g., circles, squares, triangles, rectangles)

• Sorting mats with different shapes (e.g., circle, square, triangle, rectangle)

Introduction:

1. Begin by introducing the concept of sorting and classifying objects. Ask students if they can think of different ways to sort objects (e.g., by color, shape, size).

2. Explain that today we will be sorting objects by their shape.

Activity:

1. Show the students the different objects and ask them to identify the shapes. Encourage them to use descriptive language (e.g., "this is a red circle").

2. Model how to sort the objects by placing them on the sorting mats based on their shape.

3. Allow students to practice sorting the objects on their own, using the sorting mats.

4. Encourage students to compare and contrast the objects, discussing similarities and differences.

5. Challenge students to find objects that don't fit on any of the sorting mats and explain why.

Closure:

1. Review the different shapes that the students sorted.

2. Ask students to share what they learned about sorting objects by shape.

3. Encourage students to continue sorting objects at home or during free play time.

Assessment: Observe students during the activity to assess their ability to sort and classify objects by shape. Provide feedback and support as needed.

To add to the fun, in the days before and after the activity, you can read some of the following books.

1.    "The Shape of My Heart" by Mark Sperring - This delightful picture book is a fun introduction to shapes for young children. It features colorful illustrations of various objects and animals, all formed by different shapes.

2.    "Mouse Shapes" by Ellen Stoll Walsh - In this interactive book, three mice use different shapes to create a variety of objects, from a house to a cat. The book encourages children to identify shapes and see how they can be used in different ways.

3.    "Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes" by Roseanne Thong - This beautifully illustrated book uses familiar objects from Chinese culture to teach children about shapes. The book also includes information about Chinese culture and traditions.

4.    "Shape by Shape" by Suse MacDonald - This interactive book features die-cut shapes that fit together like a puzzle, allowing children to create their own shapes and designs. It's a great way to help children explore and understand shapes.

5.    "Triangle" by Mac Barnett - This clever and humorous book follows the story of a triangle who wants to play a trick on his friend square. Through the story, children will learn about the properties of shapes and how they can be combined to form new shapes.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2018). Guidelines for Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Experiences. Retrieved from https://www.doe.mass.edu/kindergarten/guidelines.pdf

Photo source: Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-assorted-color-shapes-1340389/