Support fine motor development while reinforcing shape recognition with this set of Shape Lacing Cards! Designed to strengthen hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and visual tracking, these cards are a purposeful and engaging addition to your fine motor station.

This resource includes 7 different shape cards that can be printed, laminated, and hole-punched for use with laces or string. Students thread around each shape outline, building fine motor control while becoming more familiar with 2D shape names and properties.

These lacing cards are ideal for early years classrooms and can be used independently, in small groups, or as part of your rotational activities. Add them to your morning tubs, early finishers, or targeted fine motor tasks for repeated skill-building opportunities.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name common 2D shapes
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor and hand-eye coordination
• ✅ Practise controlled movement and spatial awareness
• ✅ Build independence and concentration through quiet, focused activity
• ✅ Reinforce shape properties in a tactile and visual format

What’s Included:

• 7 shape lacing cards (one for each shape)
• Print-friendly black and white design

Materials Needed:

• Printed lacing cards
• Laminator for durability
• Hole punch
• Shoelaces, string, or wool for threading

How to Use:

• • Print and laminate the shape cards
• • Use a hole punch to create lacing points around each shape outline
• • Provide students with laces or string and model how to start lacing around the shape
• • Encourage students to say the shape name and describe its features while they work
• • Store in a labelled container or zip-lock bag for easy rotation setup

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Add to your fine motor or morning tub rotations
• 💡 Use for targeted support with OT goals or individual plans
• 💡 Pair with shape posters or anchor charts for vocabulary reinforcement
• 💡 Create a “Lacing Station” as part of your weekly rotations
• 💡 Incorporate into shape-themed inquiry or play-based centres

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use coloured string or ribbon to make the activity more engaging
• 💛 Encourage students to lace in a consistent direction (e.g. clockwise)
• 💛 Offer different thicknesses of thread to support varying fine motor skill levels
• 💛 Label each card with the shape name to build print recognition

This resource is made to be used with the Lacing Fine Motor Activity Card in the Fine Motor Task Cards resource.