Back to Stage 0 / Unit0D · Fit shapes together

Game card for parents · 0D-2 · Ages 4–6 · 10 min

Fold, Cut, Guess

Guessing what a folded cut-out will look like when opened helps your child see that the two halves are mirror images.

S-4 Shapes can move S-6 Mistakes are fine — try it

You need

some paper
scissors (child safety scissors if your child cuts)
a pencil

How to play

Fold a piece of paper in half.
Draw half a heart or half a tree against the fold.
Cut along the line, keeping the fold uncut.
Before opening, guess what it will look like, then open it.

Guess first

I've drawn half. What do you think it will look like when we open it? Draw your guess with your finger, then open it.

Three things to ask

Are the two sides the same?
Where is the fold now?
What shape would half a circle make?

Easier

The adult cuts; your child only guesses and opens.

Harder

Fold twice and cut a notch at a corner, then guess how many holes you'll see.

Watch for

Children often expect to see only the half that was drawn. When they're surprised, ask what happened. That surprise is where the learning is.

Safety

Scissors need an adult beside the child at all times. Use child safety scissors, and keep sharp scissors for the adult only.

boxi-math.github.io · CC BY 4.0 · Boxi Yu