Game card for parents · 0D-5 · Ages 4–6 · 10 min
Four Squares
Four squares can make many different shapes, but there are always four squares' worth of space, an early feel for area.
You need
- 4 sticky notes or 4 square crackers
- paper and a pencil to trace (optional)
How to play
- Put the 4 squares together so whole sides touch.
- Make a long line, then a big square.
- Ask your child to find a new shape.
- Trace each new shape on paper so you remember it.
Guess first
Which takes up more room, the long line or the big square? Guess, then lay one on top of the other.
Three things to ask
- Is this a new shape, or one we had, just turned?
- How many shapes do you think there are?
- Did any shape need more than four squares?
Easier
Use 3 squares.
Harder
Keep tracing until your child thinks every shape has been found, then check together for turned copies.
Watch for
Your child may think the long line is bigger because it's longer. Counting the squares in each is a gentle way to check.
boxi-math.github.io · CC BY 4.0 · Boxi Yu