Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats are part of a collection of shape mats I have offered here on the blog and in my TPT shop. You will find a list of the rest of the collection at the end of the post. Most if not all of the sets feature color and B/W versions of the mats.
Exploring Math Concepts with the Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats
Children will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of learning concepts when they explore these mats. Below you will see some of the concepts I think you could explore.
- First, they will learn about the area or outside edges of a shape. Children can outline the shape with a variety of objects.
- Second, the perimeter or inside of the shape could be explored. Children can fill the object with objects. While not every part of the inside area may be covered, it will give kids a feel for what the word area means.
- Third, many of the shapes are symmetrical. Children discover whether a shape has horizontal, vertical, or diagonal symmetry with yarn, tape, or string.
- Fourth, children can use various pattern blocks to try to build the shape on top of the shape displayed.
Getting the Summer Popsicle Shape Building Mats
First, you will need to download the set.
Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.
Third, you must go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after you download it. You won’t have to hunt for it in your download file if you are.
Great Manipulatives To Use With the Set
- Buttons
- Unifix Cubes
- Glass Pebbles
- Counting Bears
- Craft Sticks
- Beans
- Plastic Soda Caps
- Wooden Cubes
- Q-Tips
- Bread Tags
Getting Ready to Use the Seed Packet Shape Building Mats
Making the Game Boards Reusable
If you plan on using the game boards over and over again, you may want to laminate them. Below I have suggested products that you may want to use to cover them.
The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My Amazon Picks
Scotch Brand PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam…$54.68$128.93 (11154)
Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 100 Count-P…$15.98$24.68 (63556)
Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200- Count-…$27.99$42.99 (23612)
Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 100% Recy…$17.00 (4917)
Color Versus Black and White
While the color version of the mats is fun, you can print the black-and-white version on brightly colored paper. A package of brightly colored paper will probably be cheaper than a colored ink cartridge.
More Sets of Shape Mats
Fish and Ocean Shape Building Mats are available in my TPT shop. They are available in color and B/W.
The Shape Fish Bowl Building Mats are also available on my TPT shop. Children can build in and around the fish bowls. They can also build fish inside each bowl that are the same shape as the mat.
This Seed Packet Shape Set was created as part of a five-day series on gardening activities.
While this earth-shape activity was created for Earth Day, it could be explored at any time of year.
The center of the snowflakes features a variety of shapes. While they display smaller shapes, they will still be fun to fill and surround.
Building a Shape Fire Pit is fun to explore during a camping or fall-themed unit.
These Farm STEM Challenge Mats invite children to build fences for farm animals.
