Notes for adults

Age 2 · 8 min · Easy

Trace big circles with a finger and pencil, color round objects, and draw a circle.

Learning objectives

• Point to a circle or round object on the page.
• Try following a circular line with a finger and a pencil.
• Make marks while coloring and try to draw a circle.

What you need

• Printed page
• Thick pencil or chunky crayon

Safety notes

Supervise your child throughout the activity. Use a thick pencil or chunky crayon suitable for their age. The button is only a picture: do not offer real buttons or other small objects, as they are choking hazards.

How to do it

1. Place the page and pencil within your child's reach.
2. Point to a circle and say, “It's round. It's a circle!”
3. Slowly follow the dotted line with your finger to show your child.
4. Invite your child to follow the circles with a finger, then with a pencil.
5. Name the pictures and let your child color them however they like.
6. Invite your child to draw a circle in the empty space.
7. Look at the page together and celebrate your child's efforts.

Teaching suggestions

• Give one direction at a time and pause whenever your child needs a break.
• If following the line is difficult, welcome free movements and offer help only if your child wants it.
• Say, “Your finger went all the way around!” Praise effort rather than accuracy.
• Look together for something large and round nearby, such as a plate.

Variations

• Make it easier: Your child can follow the circles with a finger and color a few pictures, with your help.
• Make it harder: Invite your child to try drawing two circles: one big and one small.
• Extend the activity: Look for large, round objects at home or in the classroom and follow their edges with a finger.

Talk about it

• What do you see in the pictures?
• How can your finger go around the circle?
• Where have you seen something round?
• Tell me about the circle you drew.

What to look for

• Notice whether your child points to a circle or a picture of something round.
• Notice whether your child tries to make a circular movement with a finger or pencil.
• Notice whether your child makes marks while coloring and tries to draw a circle.