Shape Recognition

Incomplete ShapesLevel 4 · Medium-Hard

Two shapes combined. 4 choices that differ in the kind, position, or size of one shape.

Level 4Two shapes combined. 4 choices that differ in the kind, position, or size of one shape.

Keeping track?

Aims of this activity

Seeing a whole shape even when only part of it is visible (visual closure)
Extending the remaining lines to picture missing corners and points (shape completion)
Telling apart look-alike shapes, such as stars with a different number of points or upside-down shapes (visual discrimination)
Comparing the position and size of two shapes carefully (spatial relations and careful comparison)

Your child looks at an "incomplete shape" with parts of its outline missing and circles the shape it came from on the right.Using the lines that remain as clues, your child connects the missing parts in their mind and pictures the whole shape.At higher levels fewer lines remain, the corners and points that give a shape its character disappear, and the choices include look-alike shapes.At Levels 4 and 5 two shapes are combined, so your child checks not only which shapes they are but also their position and size.The activity aims to build the ability to see a whole shape from a part of it.

Tips

Look at the incomplete shape on the left and circle the choice it came from. When unsure, compare the remaining lines with each choice one at a time.

For what to say, choosing a level and what to do if it is too hard, see Incomplete Shapes: a guide for grown-ups.

Choosing a level

Start with a level that seems a little easy. At Level 1 the choices are all different shapes, which helps your child get used to the activity.

↓

Compared the choices and decided on their own

Go up one level.
Before circling, have your child draw in the missing lines with a pencil.

Guesses or stops quickly

Go down one level.
Trace the missing part with your finger and ask, "What if these lines joined up?"
Point to the choices one by one and check together, "Does this line match?"

Incomplete Shapes free printable worksheet, Level 3 (Medium) — From Level 4 two shapes are combined. Your child needs to compare not only the kinds of shapes but also their position and size.

Incomplete Shapes free printable worksheet, Level 4 (Medium-Hard) — From Level 4 two shapes are combined. Your child needs to compare not only the kinds of shapes but also their position and size.

Things you can say

Before startingSome lines are missing. What shape was it?Help your child notice that parts of the outline are gone.
When unsureWhich shape does this line match?Before saying whether it is right, let your child compare the remaining lines with the choices.
After choosingHow did you know?Asking which line gave it away helps your child notice that they compared carefully.
CheckingAdd the red lines — it really is that shape!On the answer page, check together that the missing lines join up.