BOHS Geometric Solids Game
Instructions for Use & Classroom Guide
Wooden Montessori 3-D Shapes Set • Ages 3 +
1. Set Contents
| Quantity | Item |
|---|---|
| 10 | Solid-wood 3-D shapes |
| 1 | Laminated Shape-Name Cards |
| 1 | Canvas Draw-String Bag (storage & game component) |
2. Shapes Overview & Names
A chart displays shape names in multiple languages: English (EN), German (DE), French (FR), Spanish (ES), and Italian (IT). It lists shapes like cube, cuboid, triangular prism, cylinder, square pyramid, triangular pyramid (tetrahedron), cone, ovoid, ellipsoid, and sphere, with their respective translations.
| Shape | Visual Hint |
|---|---|
| Cube | 6 equal square faces (like a standard dice) |
| Cuboid (Rectangular Prism) | 6 rectangular faces, longer than wide |
| Triangular Prism | Two triangle bases joined by three rectangles |
| Cylinder | Two round bases connected by a curved surface |
| Square Pyramid | Square base + 4 triangle sides meeting at a point |
| Triangular Pyramid (Tetrahedron) | All four faces are triangles |
| Cone | Round base tapering smoothly to a point |
| Ovoid | Egg-shaped, no edges or sharp points |
| Ellipsoid | Symmetrical "squashed sphere" (similar to a rugby ball) |
| Sphere | Perfectly round, all points on surface equal distance from the center |
Keep the Shape-Name Card handy to introduce each name during play.
3. Safety & Care
- Material: Solid hardwood, finished with non-toxic, water-based varnish.
- Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth, air-dry; do not submerge.
- Storage: Return all pieces to the canvas bag to avoid loss; store in a dry place.
- Ages: Safe for 3+ years. Supervise children who still mouth objects.
4. Montessori Connection
This set supports sensorial exploration and three-period lessons:
- Naming: "This is a cube.”
- Recognition: “Point to the cube."
- Recall: "What is this?” (child names object)
5. Game Instructions
A. Sorting & Patterning (Pre-K)
Ask children to sort the solids by:
- Number of faces (curved vs. flat)
- Ability to roll vs. stack
- Shorter vs. taller shapes
B. Mystery Bag Guessing Game (Ages 3–6)
Setup
Place all 10 shapes inside the canvas bag.
How to Play
- Each player takes a turn reaching into the bag without looking.
- Using only the sense of touch, the child describes what they feel: curved vs. flat faces, corners, edges.
- They guess the shape and pull it out to check.
- Place the matching Shape-Name Card in front of them.
- Continue until every shape has been identified.
Variation—Race the Clock
Older children can time themselves or compete in small groups.
Language Opportunity
Invite descriptive vocabulary: round, pointy, flat, corner, edge, curve, base, apex.
C. Shape Properties Hunt (Ages 5–7)
Objective
Identify shapes by descriptive properties.
Setup Time
3 minutes
Play Time
15-20 minutes
Players
2-6 players
Steps
- One player becomes "teacher".
- Teacher describes a shape by its properties:
- "Lick finger, it has pointy corners"
- "This shape rolls like a door"
- "It has six faces, all squares"
- Other players take turns reaching into bag to find the described shape.
- First to pull correct shape becomes new teacher.
- Use cards for support when players need help.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: A child thinks the ovoid and ellipsoid are the same.
- A: Demonstrate rolling them—ellipsoid rolls symmetrically, ovoid tapers to one end. Compare to eggs vs. rugby balls.
- Q: Pieces feel slippery on tables.
- A: Provide felt shelves or trays so children see each shape clearly without rolling away.
- Q: Can this align with Common Core?
- A: Yes—K.G.A.3 (identify shapes as 2-D or 3-D); K.G.B.4 (analyzing and comparing shapes).
