aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Mathematics
What age group	Reception / Kindergarten
What topic	shapes
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Exploring Shapes: A Fun Introduction for Reception

Opening Activity: Shape Scavenger Hunt

Objective

To engage young learners and spark their curiosity about shapes through an interactive scavenger hunt.

Materials Needed

• Shape flashcards (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.)
• Small baskets or bags for collecting items
• A large picture of a "Shape Monster" (a friendly monster made of various shapes) to display on the board

Lesson Start

Step 1: Gather the Students

Invite the children to sit in a circle on the carpet. Explain that today, they are going to become shape detectives.

Step 2: Introduce the Shape Monster

Present the large picture of the "Shape Monster" to the class. Describe how the monster is made up of many different shapes and how each shape has its own unique features.

Ask the students:

• “What shapes do you see in the Shape Monster? Can you name them?”

Encourage children to raise their hands and share what they see—this promotes participation and reinforces their recognition of shapes.

Step 3: Shape Scavenger Hunt Instructions

Tell the kids they will go on a "Shape Scavenger Hunt" around the classroom to find objects that match the shapes in the Shape Monster.

1. Show the shape flashcards one by one.
2. For each shape, ask the students to think of examples in the classroom (e.g., "What can we find that is a circle?").
3. Distribute the baskets or bags to each child.
4. Explain that when you say "go," they will have five minutes to find one item for each shape in their basket.

Step 4: Shape Hunt!

Say: “Alright, detectives! Get ready. On the count of three, you’re going to search high and low for all the shapes that live in our classroom! Remember, be careful and bring back one of each shape!"

Count down: “Three…Two…One…GO!”

Step 5: Share and Reflect

Once the scavenger hunt is over, gather the children back on the carpet.

• Ask each student: “What did you find? Which shapes did you collect?”
• Encourage sharing: As they show their items, relate them back to the Shape Monster. "You found a circle! Just like the one in the Shape Monster!"

Conclusion

Wrap up the lesson by reinforcing the idea that shapes are all around us, and every shape has a special role in our world. Encourage them to look for shapes in their home, outside, and throughout their day.

End with a fun chant: "We are shape detectives, we are so bright! Searching for shapes, from morning till night!"

This engaging start to the lesson will help spark enthusiasm for learning about shapes and lay a strong foundation for future mathematical concepts!