Get “more from your decor” by using 2D shape posters in different ways while you teach about shapes! Rather than just having your posters hang on the wall, put them to use during a variety of fun activities. This is a great way to get students to learn how to use visual references!
Research shows that teachers need to be selective about the visuals they place on their classroom walls. Decorating a classroom can be fun, but we have to think about if our visuals are functional, or serve a purpose. We also must consider if the materials are developmentally appropriate. Keeping those two things in mind will help you make informed choices as you add visuals to your classroom!
The Totally 90s Decor set keeps the busy backgrounds to a minimum and uses fonts that utilize proper handwriting form. You can click here to see all the options in this fun and functional bundle!
More Than Decor
Around my 7th-8th year of teaching I had a shocking revelation when none of my students were able to properly define “essential”…despite the word being prominently displayed on my Focus Wall under “Essential Questions”! This bruise to my teaching ego made me realize that I had to do a better job making sure the students USED the posters and charts that were in their view 6 hours a day for 180 days. If we want our students to intentionally use the materials we place on our classroom walls as a reference, we must be intentional with how we use those materials.
Classroom posters are a great example of this. How many times have you had a student ask you how to spell a word that was literally right in front of their face? The walls of your classroom become background noise to your students unless they are explicitly taught how to reference what is on them.
Here are five ideas to utilize 2D Shape Posters besides just hanging them on your wall:
2D Shape Poster Additional Teaching Ideas
- Shape Walk: Print out another set of posters and place them in various places around the room. Give each poster a number. During center time, provide a numbered list for your students. Have them walk around the room to locate the various shapes, and write each 2D shape name next to its number.
- I’m Thinking of a Shape: During morning meeting time or at the start of your math lesson, say “I’m thinking of a shape that…” and then list a shape attribute. Students will utilize the posters to guess which shape you are thinking of. Continue to provide clues until a student guesses the correct shape.
- Shape-Scotch: Print another set of 2D Shape Posters and take them outside with you! Place the shape posters into a hopscotch grid. As students complete the hopscotch, they will call out the name of each shape.
- Shape Sort: Print the posters out 4 to a page and place them at a center. Have students sort the shapes based on various criteria. This could be an open or closed sort.
- Shape Bingo: Students always enjoy it when teachers bring the Bingo boards out! 2D shape bingo will help your class learn and use the correct shape names quickly. This is a great activity for a small group working on mastery of this skill!
Free 2D Shape Bingo!
Want a FREE set of 2D Shape Bingo cards for your classroom? Just enter your email below to have it sent directly to your inbox. The graphics match the 90s theme 2D Shape Posters, making it easy for your students to use the posters as a reference!
Click the photo to be taken to the FREEBIE!
Do you have any ideas for teaching 2D shapes? Add them in the comments below.
Happy Teaching!
~Marianna