Create a felt book without words to teach young children how to
recognize basic shapes. Work with the children to look through the book,
identifying each shape verbally the first time, then asking them to
guess the shapes the next time through. You can use similar techniques
to create books teaching the alphabet, when the learning plan is ready
to advance. Use brightly colored felt to keep the children's attention
and make it seem more like a game.
Instructions
- 13 sheets of felt, 9-by-12 inches, multiple colors
- Fabric pens
- Scissors
- Glue
- Hole punch
- Ribbon
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1
Match up 12 of the 9-by-12-inch
felt pieces into six pairs. One piece from each pair will serve as the
background of each page, while the other will form the shape.
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2
Draw a circle on the center of
the first piece of felt, using a fabric pen. Cut out the shape with
scissors. Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the circle, and
press it onto the center of its backing felt piece. Press firmly and
smooth out any wrinkles or bumps with your hands. Set aside to let dry.
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3
Repeat Step 2 to create shapes
for the remaining pages. Create a square, rectangle, triangle, heart and
star. There should be six shapes and six pages total.
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4
Stack the pages in the order you
want them to appear in the book. Place the remaining sheet of felt on
top, for the cover. Hold the pages firmly with one hand, and use the
hole punch to create three evenly spaced holes through the left vertical
side of the pages.
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5
Loop a length of ribbon through
the back of the bottom hole. Form a small knot or bow to hold it in
place, before continuing with the length of ribbon. Pass it up and
through the front of the middle hole, pulling the ribbon flush against
the felt between the holes. Loop the ribbon through the back of the
front hole, coming out on the front. Create another knot or bow to hold
it in place.
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6
Label and decorate the cover of the book as you like, with fabric markers.
