Shape and Pattern, Get Set Mathematics, EYFS, Ages 4-5 (Reception)

I like the Schofield & Sims range of workbooks for children, they are succinct and effective and my 5 year old actually enjoys doing them, I suspect this is because she finds them easy so there is a touch of the set you up for success factor as added Magic.This is definitely a book where a child would have required instruction in order to complete; knowing colours, the order of a rainbow, 2D and 3D shapes and their interrelationship , and in addition the concept of a pattern and symmetry. So this is a method of demonstrating, consolidating or assessing existing or recently acquired knowledge rather than a method of exploring and/or instruction of concepts. However there is a section at the back to help with guidance on how to develop and explore the concepts that are being tested in the book page by page which is really good for parents who may be otherwise stuck as to how to help.These are supposed to cover the skills required to have been taught and hopefully achieved by children by the end of reception, that isn't to show they don't have use before or after that, for children who are accelerated in their learning or understanding they may be able to access this or parts thereof earlier, and for older children with additional needs this may help to revisit and practice those skills the shame being the ages 4-5 emblazoned on the cover which of course children are obsessed with their ages which could be negative for the self esteem (but the logo is nothing a big fat marker can't erase before handing it to an older child struggling so please bear this in mind)Overall an excellent little activity for nursery or reception aged children depending on ability and if so inclined to such activities home educated children. My 5 year old is well past all this so this will be held onto for her younger sister who is already showing interest in such books.

This is an A4 paper workbook which introduces very early maths skills by looking at shapes and patterns.There are two activities per page and these are progressive, the aim being that you work through the book gradually over the course of the first two terms at school.The activities start with very simple activities based on single colours, then using different colours before starting to look at some simple colour patterns. Then the book goes through different shapes, testing the ability to spot them within pictures rather than on their own then looks at how many sides various shapes have. Finally it looks at lots of patterns, including symmetry and 3d shapes.Activities include drawing lines and shapes, ticking, circling and lots of colouring. The book does a good job of introducing some formal learning into fun activities and the simple line drawings give plenty of opportunity to do some colouring in even where the task doesn't require it.There is also a set of notes at the back to guide parents on how to help with the activities and with suggestions on other activities you can do to enhance the book learning.This early years workbook is aimed at 4-5 year olds in reception year, but the first few pages are very simple and minimal pen skills are required so if your child is keen they might be able to complete most of this workbook towards the end of pre-school.

If you can make learning fun, you can teach kids without them even knowing it. This appears to be the philosophy of the Schofield & Sims set of text books. Their 'Shapes and Patterns' book aimed at the 4-5 year old is a great example and shows that they are looking to be great fun, but falling ever so slightly short.On a positive note, this is a great educational tool. The book is packed with fun activities that help children to learn about their shapes and develop their ideas on patterns. It is not just boring - this is a square, but find all the squares hidden in this image. The exercises are the type of thing that you will find in any decent children's magazine that hopes to educate (but with no awful plastic toy on the front).Where this book falls down ever so slightly on is the presentation. To keep costs down the book is not all colour and is on what appears to be slightly cheaper paper. This gives the entire thing a slightly school feel and it can't really compete with a child's attention is a slightly less educational book as massive full colour pictures of Paw Patrol in it. However, if you are on the lookout for a set of well priced educational books to do at home with your kids, this 'Shapes and Patterns' book is ideal.

My nearly-five year-old son is not generally very keen on maths, but he is enjoying working through this book on shapes and patterns. The colouring and circling keeps him motivated. Unless your child is unusually far advanced in reading compared with maths, an adult will need to help read and explain what is required in each exercise. It covers a range of topics, although not all are covered comprehensively (e.g., there is a colouring exercise for identifying red objects on page, but not a similar one for blue objects). My son and I were also both a bit confused, when asked to "identify all the circles" in a scene, as to whether a circular snowball that is partly obscured by a child's hand is supposed to be a circle or not; similarly does "colour all the squares" include colouring a square that contains other squares within it (so which can't be coloured separately from the smaller squares). A little more thought by the author on some of these exercises wouldn't go amiss, but generally it's excellent and very engaging.