Toddler Shapes Game

My Granddaughter has been playing with my granny squares most of her life. She is my inspiration for this game for toddlers. Great for ages 2 and older.

Materials:
H Hook
Worsted Weight Yarn
2 Large shoelaces with hard tips
2 Large macrame beads for the laces
Container for the shapes - Popcorn tin, coffee can, etc.
Supplies to decorate container

Note: For different sizes and textures use different types of yarn and different sizes of hooks. The only thing to stop you is your imagination. Keep in mind that some children are allergic to some types of yarn.

This game is made in 3 shapes that toddlers will eventually be able to recognize and name - Circle, Square and Triangle. Here are the patterns for the shapes. At the bottom are the instructions for putting the game together and ways to use it.

Circle - Ch 4 and join in 1^st ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 and do 11 dc in the ring. Join with slst in top of ch 3.
Round 2: Ch 3 and dc in joining st, do 2 dc in each dc around from the previous row. Join in top of ch 3. Fasten off. Do not weave in ends yet.
Make as many as you please.

Square - Ch 4 and join in 1^st ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in the ring, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1) 3 more times in ring. Join with slst in top of ch 3.
Round 2: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, *(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch space, 1 dc in each of the next 3 dc, Repeat from * around ending by joining in top of ch 3. Fasten off. Do not weave in ends yet.
Make as many as you please.

Triangle - Ch 4 and join in 1^st ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, 3 dc in the ring, ch 1, (4dc, ch 1) 2 more times in ring. Join with slst in top of ch 3.
Round 2: Ch 3, 1 dc in each of the next 3 dc, *(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch space, 1 dc in each of the next 4 dc, Repeat from * around ending by joining in top of ch 3. Fasten off. Do not weave in ends yet.
Make as many as you please.

Finishing Instructions for Shapes - Weave in your ends. I add a drop of Aleene's OK to Wash It before I cut the ends. This will keep the ends from working out when you wash the shapes. It drys clear and soft.

Instructions for making the game - Take one end of the shoe lace and firmly tie it on a bead. Add a drop or two of the Aleene's so it doesn't come undone and pose a choking hazard.

Decorate your container as you see fit - Painting, stenciling, stickers. Fill the container with your shapes and put the beaded laces on top and place on lid.

How to play the Game - Children can play by matching the shapes, colors, or sizes. They are also able to lace the shapes on the beaded shoelace. This game helps with their fine motor(fingers), gross motor(arms), cognitive(problem solving) skills. They also learn about colors and textures. Don't be afraid to let them chew on the shapes as they wash easily in the washer as long as you use acrylic or cotton yarn. As they get older they can learn about patterns as they lay them out in patterns or lace the shapes in a series pattern(re, green, blue, red, green, blue, ...).The possibilities are unlimited. When the child gets older and stops playing with them, you can join them together for an afghan for their bed to remind them of their shapes.