Shape Matcher—Identical Orientations & Sizes

Sub Trajectory: Comparing

Identical: Matches familiar shapes (circle, square, typical triangle) that have the same size and orientation. In specific congruence tasks, may think that two shapes are the same if they are more visually similar than different.

Orientations: Matches familiar shapes with different orientations.

Sizes: Matches familiar shapes with different sizes.

When working on specific congruence tasks, children at this level may think that two shapes are the same if they are more visually similar than different. Or, they may think that two shapes are the same after matching one side on each.  

Activities

You may see this:

Linked Image to Sign In/Sign Up page

Other Examples:

  • Matches 2 identical squares when the caregiver says “Some of the snacks we have today are square.”
  • Matches familiar shapes with different orientations.
  • Fits shapes into a shape sorter box with increasing success. 

Help your student become a(n) Shape Matcher—Identical Orientations & Sizes

Experiences in many contexts encourage children to match shapes in context with a lot of perceptual support. Play shapes, shape puzzle boxes, and even picture books can be helpful. Discussion can emphasize that "These are exactly the same shape" and adults can encourage children to "show the match" by putting one shape on top of the other.

Special Thanks To

Institute of Education Sciences
The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through grant numbers R305K050157, R305A120813, R305A110188, and R305A150243. to the University of Denver. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.