Geometric shapes and animals are both integral parts of lessons in primary and elementary classrooms. Geometric shapes are usually taught in math to provide background for later geometry subjects, and animals are the subject of farm, zoo, circus and wilderness thematic lessons. Putting the two subjects together creates interesting opportunities. Making animals out of geometric shapes can be part of a thematic unit covering different subjects simultaneously, such as a lesson on animals and their shapes in a thematic unit on animals of Asia.
Fish
Use a large oval to make a fish's body. Lay it on the table lengthwise.
Take two small triangles and glue them at the end of the oval for the tail.
Take another small triangle and fold it in half from the tip. Place it in on the top for the back fin, using glue to secure it.
Bear
Make a bear by using a pentagon shape for the body.
Place a small circle at the tip of the pentagon to make the head, and glue them together.
Place two smaller circles on the head, one on each side of the ears. Make sure these are glued as well. The four corners of the pentagon that are not covered serve as arms and legs.
Bird
- Colorful shapes of various sizes, made out of poster board
- Glue
You can integrate the above activities in lessons on literature, science, math, and art. Also, you can glue the above animals onto background paper if you wish.
Make a bird by taking a diamond, folding it in half from the tip of the diamond.
Open up the diamond again, and the folded sides look like flapping wings.
Place a small circle at the tip of the diamond to make the head. Then, place a small triangle where a beak would be. This should look like a bird in flight. When you are satisfied with your bird, glue it all together.
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About the Author
Diane Abel-Bey began her freelance writing career in 2010, bringing extensive, multi-tiered experience to her education-related articles. Her expertise includes lesson planning, children's crafts and test preparation. Abel-Bey holds a Master of Science in elementary education from St. John's University.
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Andres Arango/Demand Media