Community Helpers Shape Tracing Strips

Name each shape together before tracing, then trace with a finger first and a crayon second. Laminate a set for a fine motor center and use the black and white pages to color.

A cover and 4 pages. Two color pages hold 8 strips, each with a helper, 4 dotted shapes to trace and a matching job picture: a chef with circles, a construction worker with triangles, a farmer with squares, a dentist with stars, a nurse with diamonds, a judge with pentagons, a lifeguard with hearts and an electrician with hexagons. The directions read: "Start at the green dot. Trace each shape." Two black and white pages repeat the strips and add "Then color the pictures."

Yes. We made it for Preschool to Kindergarten community helpers, and it works the same at home or at school. Families print it for one child and keep it where they will use it every day. Teachers print a copy per student or one for the whole room, whichever the day needs.

Pick one setting, such as the fire station, post office or doctor's office, print its signs, labels and cutouts, and add a few real props. The badges and the job application form let children choose a role and take turns.

The Community Helper Counting to 10 Clip Cards have an answer key. The rest are open activities, signs and crafts.