Explore the zoo while identifying different kinds of 2D shapes with this engaging and hands-on Zoo Animal Shapes task card activity. Students will practise visual discrimination, shape recognition, and sorting as they search for the correct animal cards based on shape, colour, and type.

This activity includes a set of mini animal cards and sorting mats. The featured zoo animals include elephants, tigers, giraffes, snakes, and turkeys—each presented in different shapes and colours. Students examine the traits on the sorting mat and place the matching animal cards in the correct spots. To make the experience more immersive, invite students to take on the role of zookeepers tracking down the correct animals across the zoo!

The 2D shapes included are: circle, rectangle, square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, trapezoid, rhombus, star, heart, and oval.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name 2D shapes
• ✅ Match animals by shape, colour, and category
• ✅ Develop visual discrimination and sorting skills
• ✅ Engage in imaginative, theme-based learning

What’s Included:

• Animal sorting mats with shape, colour, and type prompts
• Mini zoo animal shape cards for matching
• Instructions for individual or small group play

Materials Needed:

• Printed and laminated task cards and animal pieces
• Scissors, storage containers, and optional zookeeper props

How to Use:

• • Print and laminate the zoo animal cards and sorting mats
• • Students examine the sorting card and look for matching animals
• • Match the animals based on shape, colour, and animal type
• • Use in small groups, as an independent centre, or thematic play rotation

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during your shape unit with a zoo or animal theme
• 💡 Pair with a role-play area or dramatic play zookeeper setup
• 💡 Extend learning by asking students to explain how they sorted their animals

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Store sorted sets in small containers labelled by shape or animal
• 💛 Laminate all pieces for durability and easy reuse
• 💛 Use zookeeper hats or clipboards to spark creative play while learning

You might like to view our complete 2D Shapes Task Card PACKAGE, designed to be stored in the Kmart Rainbow Storage containers.