The 10 Best Geometry Shapes For Learning
This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in July of 2020. When it comes to early STEM learning, geometry shapes are an excellent way to get children engaged at home or in the classroom. From buckets of individual pieces to puzzles and building blocks, these sets give kids the opportunity to identify shapes, recognize relational sizes, understand angles, and learn mathematical concepts like fractions, surface areas, sequencing, and symmetry. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Magna-Tiles Clear Colors
2. Hand 2 Mind Geosolids Classroom Kit
3. Learning Resources Translucent Geometric
Editor's Notes
August 31, 2020:
When selecting which geometry shapes to include on this list, we focused on learning opportunities, age level, and diversity of engagement. This list offers beginner's sets for babies and toddlers, intermediate options for preschoolers, and more advanced activities for grade school kids.
On the younger end, we were impressed by the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and First Blocks Bundle, which combines two pretty classic toys that most infants will enjoy exploring. This bundle promotes early shape recognition, sorting, color identification, and stacking. We also loved the Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo, which contextualizes everything in a familiar cottage picture, although some people find that the puzzle couldn't stand up very long to curious, teething babies.
For youngsters around the three-year-old range, the Learning Resources Teaching Tac-Tiles was a stand out for its ability to appeal to normative and special needs kids alike. The Magna-Tiles Clear Colors is another great choice, as it allows even small children to build structures and stay engaged for long stretches of time. For more involved STEM concepts, the Learning Advantage Folding Geo Figures is a smart option. Its 2D inserts and 3D molds allow students to explore surface area and volume.
Finally, we wanted to include bulk options that are great for the classroom. These include the Learning Resources Translucent Geometric, which works well with a light table, and the Hand 2 Mind Geosolids Classroom Kit, which features 3D wooden blocks that can be stacked to create complex buildings.
For more ideas on stacking and playing, our blocks for toddlers ranking might be of interest. For students in middle or high school, we also recommend checking out our geometry sets ranking, where you'll find compasses, rulers, and protractors.
Special Honors
Monti Kids Subscription for Babies and Toddlers With eight different boxes of engaging geometry-related toys and guided activities to match, the Monti Kids Subscription for Babies and Toddlers is an intensive learning program for newborns through age three. It also includes access to a certified Montessori teacher. montikids.com
Kon Mari Arctic Animals Origami Kit A creative way to explore mathematical and spatial concepts, the Kon Mari Arctic Animals Origami Kit comes with 24 pieces of patterned paper, stickers, and detailed instructions for making cold-weather animals, like a penguin and a polar bear. konmari.com
4. Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards
5. Learning Advantage Folding Geo Figures
6. Learning Resources Teaching Tac-Tiles
7. Edx Education Pattern Blocks
8. Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and First Blocks Bundle
9. Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo
10. Educational Insights Shapes Beanbags
Brittany Miller is a writer, mother, and book nerd based in Los Angeles. Her eclectic professional experience includes writing product copy, managing editorial processes, teaching Literature, Rhetoric, and Creative Writing, and working as a television writer. She holds a BA in English from UC Santa Barbara, a MA in English from New York University, and for a brief time was a PhD Provost Scholar at the University of Southern California. When she’s not at her keyboard, Brittany enjoys running, paddle boarding, decorating (and re-decorating) her apartment, and playing with her son. Throughout her career and personal life, she’s developed expertise in literature, textbooks, automotive gear, office supplies, exercise equipment, home decor, baby products, and children’s toys.