Coloring Squares for Shape Practice

Grade: First · Subject: Math · Time: 15 min · Difficulty: Standard

Learning Objective

Students will practice fine motor skills while learning about shapes through coloring activities.

Teacher-Selected Inputs

Grade: First
Subject: Math
Skill: Fine Motor, Color Recognition, Shape Recognition
Educational Setting: General Education
Difficulty: Standard
Duration: 15 min

Why this printable fits

The 108 Squares Grid provides ample space for students to practice coloring, helping strengthen their fine motor skills while exploring basic shapes.

Key Vocabulary

Shape
Square
Color

Prerequisite Skills

Holding a crayon or colored pencil
Identifying basic shapes

Materials

108 Squares Grid printable
Crayons or colored pencils

Prep

Print enough copies of the 108 Squares Grid for each student.

Lesson Steps

Introduction3 min
Teacher actions: Gather students' attention and explain that today they will color squares while learning about shapes. Show them a square and ask if they can name it.
Teacher script: Today, we're going to color squares! Who can tell me what shape this is?
Example / model: Hold up a square and point to the sides and corners.
Printable use: Introduce the 108 Squares Grid as the coloring page where they will practice coloring squares.
Move on when: Students can identify a square and are excited about the coloring activity.
Support if needed: Provide pre-colored examples of squares to demonstrate before they start.
Modeling4 min
Teacher actions: Demonstrate how to color one square on the printable. Explain the importance of coloring inside the lines and choosing different colors.
Teacher script: Watch how I color this square. I will stay inside the lines!
Example / model: Color one square while talking through the process, and point out the lines.
Printable use: Begin coloring one of the squares on the 108 Squares Grid to model the activity.
Move on when: Students are able to watch and understand what to do.
Support if needed: Help students who struggle to stay within the lines by providing larger coloring tools.
Independent Practice6 min
Teacher actions: Distribute the 108 Squares Grid to each student. Instruct them to color as many squares as they can in different colors. Walk around to provide support.
Teacher script: Now it's your turn! Color your squares in any colors you like.
Example / model: Students working on their grids with various colors.
Printable use: Students use the 108 Squares Grid to color different squares freely.
Move on when: Students are engaged in the coloring activity and focusing on their work.
Support if needed: Offer one-on-one help for students who need encouragement to start.
Closing2 min
Teacher actions: Invite students to share their favorite colored squares. Discuss what shapes they practiced coloring and what colors they used.
Teacher script: Who wants to share their favorite colors? What shape did we work on today?
Example / model: Call on a few students to show their work and describe it.
Printable use: Discuss the completed 108 Squares Grids and encourage sharing of their work.
Move on when: Students can articulate what shapes they colored and the colors they chose.
Support if needed: Prompt struggling students with specific questions about their work.

Checks for Understanding

Students can identify and name the square shape.
Students are able to show their coloring technique by staying inside the lines.
Students can participate in discussions about their work.

Success Criteria

Students will color at least five squares on the grid.
Students will demonstrate recognition of the square shape during discussions.

Differentiation

Provide larger squares for students who benefit from bigger coloring spaces.
Allow students to color shapes other than squares if they finish early.

Accommodations

Use thicker crayons for students with fine motor challenges.
Pair students for support with coloring tasks.

Common Misconceptions

Students may think that all shapes can be colored the same way.
Some may not understand the importance of staying within the lines.

Assessment

Observe students as they color and discuss their understanding of squares.
Evaluate student engagement based on participation in sharing sessions.

Extensions

Introduce more complex shapes once students master the square.
Have students create a pattern in their coloring.

How to Use the Printable

The 108 Squares Grid serves as a visual aid and activity for practicing fine motor skills through coloring.
The grid structure allows for easy observation of students' ability to color shapes accurately.

Teacher Notes

Prepare examples of colored squares in advance to show students as models.
Monitor student interactions and adjust support based on their individual needs.

Based on: 108 Squares Grid

Printable summary (sanity check): This lesson plan centers on the grade-appropriate skill of fine motor development in first graders, using the 108 Squares Grid printable to engage students in coloring activities.