"Meet the Shapes" DVD Review

An Introduction to Basic Shapes

From the Preschool Prep Company, creators of the award-winning "Meet the Letters" DVD.

“Meet the Shapes” uses animation and repetition to introduce children to the basic shapes: "circle," "square," "rectangle," "triangle," "oval," "star," "diamond," and "octagon." Each shape is shown on the screen in black and white and as an animated character taking part in a colorful animated sequence. Also, each shape is displayed in different sizes and using different kinds of motion. A voice repeats the shape's name each time a new representation of it is seen.

Each animated shape character is then shown in a sequence where the shape jumps into various parts of the background. For example, the circle walks through an art gallery and jumps into the paintings where circles are part of the paintings, illustrating that the shape is a part of the larger image.

Subsequently, different animated objects are constructed using a combination of shapes, showing how everyday objects are made of different shapes. The repetition, illustration, and application of shapes and how they are part of the every day world gives children broad exposure to the concept of what shapes are and where they can be found. (Read more about the Preschool Prep concept.)

"Meet the Shapes" provides toddlers and preschoolers with a great introduction to the shapes and the concept of how shapes can be found in the everyday world. The animated characters make each shape come alive, which will help kids relate to and remember the shapes.

The repetition of the shapes and especially the shape names may become boring for some kids, but the DVD can be easily watched in chapters for a shorter viewing time. The DVD also has some fun special features which allow kids to choose a shape to focus on.

• Barn Dance
• Dance with Your Favorite Shape
• Flash Cards
• Chapter Selection

• Play matching games or memory games using shapes.
• Draw or color the shapes with your children.
• Make cookies using different shaped cookie cutters. (You can find great cookie cutters online, and it's much easier than trying to hunt for specific shapes in retail stores!)