Hellobee

Geoboards are a fun learning tool to introduce kids to math concepts. Actually, they can continue to be used even through high school geometry! The basic idea is simple: stretching colored bands over a grid of pegs.

Educational stores sell them, and you’ll find them in many classrooms, but you can make your own with minimal effort. And your kids will enjoy playing with this activity, while exploring math!

A smooth board, at least 3/4″ thick (the overall dimensions can be adjusted. See below.)
1-1/4″ nails
Hair elastics (or rubber bands)
Masking tape
Hammer
Wood block (about 1/2″ thick) -OR- ruler and permanent marker
Geo Board Template printed on regular paper

Note: I would recommend this board for ages 4 and up, but use your discretion. 

Tape the template onto the board.  A few pieces along the ends should hold it securely.

Hammer a nail onto each dot on the template. Try to keep the nails as straight as possible. A block of wood that is about 1/2″ thick (or a little thicker) will help prevent the nails from going in too far, and keeping them even.

If your board is a different size or proportion, use only the part of the template you need. If you want to make a larger board, print two copies of the template and overlap them, matching the dots.

If you can’t find a wood block to use as a depth guide, you can measure and mark the nails with a permanent marker.

Work in rows, hammering in the nails across the entire template and board.

When you’re finished, pull away the paper.

Now your geoboard is ready for use!

Traditionally rubber bands are used for geoboards. You can get them in fun colors and different sizes, which is nice. But hair elastics are good for little fingers. Try to find the kind without the metal clasp. Again, these come in different colors and sizes, and a variety is nice.

Now your little ones can start making shapes! Have them try basic shapes, arranging them so they overlap or make new designs. You can also find printable cards for geoboards with a quick web search.

For larger shapes, use multiple bands!

It’s also fun to try and make pictures in a geometric fashion. This is my attempt at some flowers…with purple mountains added in the distance. Use your imagination.

Another extension of the geoboard is to form letters and numbers. If your younger children are having a hard time with this on their own, you could make the letters and ask them to tell the letter or sound.

Making more complex shapes or designs is fun, and older kids can start to learn about measuring perimeter.

Encourage your kids to make simple shapes or lines, but in a pattern. This one goes in rainbow order!

When they are done playing, remove the colored bands so they don’t get too stretched out. Keep them close by in a basket or cloth bag.

There are so many ways to play and learn with a geoboard, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Try searching online for “ways to use a geoboard” or “geoboard activities” and you’ll never run out of geometric play!

Happy crafting!