When a Line Bends...A Shape Begins

  

There are ten shapes that are presented in this wonderful picture book.  Heart, Circle, Square, Rectangle, Oval, Octagon, Triangle, Diamond, Star and Crescent are very much so equally important and illustrated here in this magnificent children’s picture book.

The illustrations in this book were done by James Kaczman. He used a wide range of artistry in this book. I think that for a children’s book such as this one he did a marvelous job with elements of visual art. As a child is mentally developing, the basic shapes are such a great way to assist with that. The shapes that he used even for the people in this book are clean sharp lines. 

Group Discussion:

1. What were some of the shapes that you remember from the story?

2. Can you tell me what the first shape that we saw was?

3. What are two of your favorite shapes from the story?

4. Can you tell me how many sides does a triangle have a square have and a rectangle have? 

Fun play activity: 

•  Have your students trace and cut out all of the shapes that were read throughout the book. Once they've out the shapes have them label each shape by themselves. Then have your students create objects with the shapes. For example to make house have them put together a square and a triangle.

   

•    Another fun activity would be given each student a pipe cleaner. Randomly call out shapes and have the students make the shape that you call out. If there is a student that gets all of them right reward them with a chance to pick something from a treasure box or whatever reward system you have in place. 

For additional books by Rhonda Gowler Greene see below:

• No Pirates Allowed! Said Library Lou
• This Is the Teacher 
• Eek! Creak! Snicker, Sneak
• Santa's Stuck

Reference: LINDA DAUKSAS AND JEANNE WHITE
Discovering Shapes and Space in Preschool
(http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/shapes_space)