Shapes Safari ‘Discovering Geometry in Nature’

Building as Learning Aid – BaLA Painting

Location of BaLA Painting

The mural can be painted on the classroom floor, corridor walls, activity area, or school playground where learners can easily observe, interact with, and engage in movement-based and collaborative activities. Its placement in a common learning space outside Preparatory Stage classrooms, encourages spontaneous exploration and continuous reinforcement of geometric concepts.

Learning Objective

After interacting with the BaLA painting, students will be able to:

1. Enable learners to identify and classify basic two-dimensional geometric shapes.
2. Develop observation, spatial reasoning, and visual perception skills.
3. Foster creativity by encouraging learners to construct objects using simple shapes.
4. Enhance problem-solving and critical thinking through experiential activities.
5. Promote collaborative learning and communication among peers.

Curriculum Alignment

Inclusive Design Considerations

The mural is designed to support diverse learners through:

• Large, colourful, and high-contrast shapes for improved visual accessibility.
• Simple and familiar images that reduce cognitive load.
• Opportunities for tactile exploration using raised outlines or textured materials where feasible.
• Multi-sensory teaching strategies incorporating visual, verbal, and movement-based activities.
• Flexible participation through individual, paired, or group tasks to accommodate varied learning needs and abilities.
• Adaptations such as sign language support, peer assistance, and differentiated instructions to ensure meaningful participation for learners with disabilities.

Description of Artwork

Wall/Floor layout: 

The arrows are strategically positioned to encourage children to perform various locomotor movements such as walking, hopping, jumping, and stepping while responding to visual cues. The design incorporates bright colours and clear directional symbols to attract children’s attention and facilitate easy understanding.

Dimensions:

• The mural can be designed on a floor or wall space measuring approximately 8 ft × 8 ft to 10 ft × 10 ft, depending on the available area.
• Individual geometric shapes should range from 20–40 cm in size to ensure clear visibility and easy identification by learners.
• Adequate spacing between figures should be maintained to allow children to move around safely and participate in interactive activities. 

Colours used:

• Primary colours: Red, Blue, and Yellow for major geometric shapes.
• Secondary colours: Green, Orange, Purple, and Pink for flowers, leaves, and decorative elements.
• Neutral colours: Black or Dark Blue outlines to clearly define each shape and improve visibility.
• Background: White or light pastel shades to create contrast and make the colourful shapes stand out.
• Bright, high-contrast colours are recommended to enhance visual appeal and accessibility for young learners.

Materials required:

• Acrylic or weather-resistant floor/wall paints.
• Paint brushes and rollers of different sizes.
• Stencils or templates for geometric shapes (optional).
• Measuring tape, ruler, chalk, or masking tape for accurate layout.
• Pencil or chalk for initial sketching.
• Black paint or permanent marker for outlining shapes.
• Protective clear coat or floor sealant to increase durability and resistance to wear.
• Cleaning cloths, water containers, and painting trays for application and maintenance.

Photographs

Video: Shapes Safari

Learning Activities Using the BaLA

Activity 1: Shape Hunt Challenge

Objective: Identify geometric shapes in the mural and the classroom environment.

Materials: Worksheet, pencil

Procedure:

1. Ask students to observe the Shape Safari mural.
2. Identify and list all the circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles they can find.
3. Students then look around the classroom and record objects that match each shape.
4. Discuss findings as a class.

Learning Outcome:

• Recognizes and names basic geometric shapes.
• Connects geometry to real-life objects.
• Improves observation skills.

Inclusive Adaptations:

• Peer assistance for students requiring support.
• Braille/tactile markers where possible.

Activity 2: Create Your Own Shape Animal

Objective: Understand how complex figures are formed using simple shapes.

Materials: Coloured paper cut-outs of circles, triangles, rectangles, squares, glue, chart paper

Procedure:

1. Provide students with different shape cut-outs.
2. Ask them to create an animal, bird, flower, or insect using only the given shapes.
3. Students count and label the shapes used in their creations.
4. Display the artwork in the classroom gallery.

Learning Outcome:

• Combines geometric shapes to form new figures.
• Develops creativity and spatial reasoning.
• Strengthens understanding of shape properties.

Inclusive Adaptations:

• Use picture symbols for comparison.
• Pair students strategically for peer support.
• Allow verbal or visual responses.

Assessment Opportunities

Observation Checklist

Teacher Resource Document