Sticky Tape Shapes

We use this simple maths shape activity at home with my toddler and older daughter lots. We often vary what we are actually sticking the tape onto. Sometimes the windows, sometimes a tuff spot, a table, a sheet of paper depending on what my children feel like.

Set Up

So for this simple maths shape activity I used Washi tape. It is made from paper and easy to peel off and move which makes it perfect for creating 2D shapes and for toddlers to work on their fine motor skills. I used two separate window panes (to save arguments) and on both I stuck on a series of strips of tape lined up and also used the tape to create a 2D shape to show as an example.

F needed to some encouragement and went straight over to the window to investigate the shapes and lines I had stuck up. She also very quickly got the art of peeling the tape off. Peeling sticky tape is a great activity to help improve fine motor skills and strengthen little fingers. M first of all wanted to know what shape I had made. Then she set about rearranging the sticky tape stripes into various shapes herself.

So much learning happened during this kids activity. Once F had finished peeling tape off she started wanting to stick it back on which took a bit more practice. After M had created some shapes she then went on to attempt to create letters and numbers too. All the while we were counting strips of sticky tape, counting corners on shapes, discussing if a square was still a square whether it was tiny or big. This activity is a such a simple way of exploring 2D shapes with kids and for working on those motor skills too.