Preschool Shape Race

By Charlene Haukom

Preschoolers will love running the Preschool Shape Race. Just as the line holder held up types of lines in the Preschool Line Race, the shape holder will hold up shapes. Instead of running in a shape pattern, however, preschoolers will have to run TO a shape – but watch out! There are fewer shapes than preschoolers, so not everyone advances to the next round! Want to play solo? No problem, just set a timer.

What You Will Need

Felt sheets or Bean Bag Shapes
White Paper
Marker
Large open area to run

How to Play

1. Using the marker, draw the following shapes on the white paper (one shape per page): triangle, square, circle, oval, and rectangle. Use a heavy weight paper if you can, like cardstock.

2. You can either draw or cut out the same shapes on the felt sheets. You’ll want a few of each shape, depending on how many preschoolers will be playing.

3. Spread the felt shapes out on the ground with plenty of room between them. You should have fewer shapes than preschoolers. For example, if you have 3 preschool racers, then only lay out 2 of each shape.

4. Give the paper shapes to the designated shape holder.

5. Ready, get set….GO! The preschoolers have to run to whichever shape the shape holder is holding up. Whichever preschooler is left without the specified shape is out.

6. After each round, remove one of each felt shape.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until only 1 preschooler remains. The remaining preschooler is the winner of the race.

Make Preschool Shape Race a Birthday Party Game

Turn this Outdoor Preschool Game into a Preschool Birthday Party Game! This preschool race is a great way to burn off that cake and ice cream!

Make Preschool Shape Race a Race Against Time

The Preschool Shape Race can be played with just one player. You’ll only need to lay out one of each felt shape. Set the timer (how much time you give will depend on the runner and how far apart your felt shapes are), then RUN! Can your preschooler make it to the specified shape before the timer goes off?

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