The Shape of My Heart by Mark Sperring ignites children’s awareness that everything we see and interact with takes on various shapes. Exploring everything from from food, to nature, to toys, to man-made structures, to our own physical design, this story artistically brings together an illumination of shapes and an appreciation for daily life.
As a teacher, I’m crazy about this beautiful, interactive book. It’s perfect for a playdate where an adult and a few children can discuss each page together. It can also be tied into a discussion of the love we celebrate on Valentine’s Day.
I recommend using this story as a teaching opportunity and a springboard for lively discussion by asking questions after each page. For example: “Which shape on this page is called an oval or ellipse?” Or, ”What is another name for diamond? How many rhombuses are on this page?”
When you read the page where the shape of the sun rises to brighten our day, ask, “What else brightens your day?” When examining the shape of feet and hands ask, “Where do you like to walk with your feet, and what wonderful ways can we use our feet and hands?” When you get to the page about animals, share which animals are your favorites and why.
The story wraps up by discussing the shape of our heart. Consider discussing the miracle of unending love that lives inside all of our hearts and the ways we can freely give, express and receive that love. Enjoy taking your time, allowing the story to organically guide you into a meaningful, expansive time where all involved will learn something new.
Snack Recipe
There’s a page near the beginning of the book dedicated to food—go back to that page and reread it for the snack aspect of your time together, Prepare the same or similar foods to those portrayed in the story, then guide children in setting up the snacks in decorative arrangements on a charcuterie board or tray.
These foods include:
1. Cheese slices and crackers of your choice
2. Strawberries (or another favorite fruit)—consider cutting the stems off in a deep dent so the fruit resembles hearts!
3. Carrots with dip
4. Lollipops
5. Healthy yogurt bar or popsicle (store in freezer to offer later)
Children can then choose from the colorful board which snacks they would like to eat! Discuss what shapes each food resembles. Or maybe the food is a “new shape” that you can create a name for.
Alicia Mock operates Adventure Arts Academy for 3–5 year olds from her home in Overland Park. Alicia offers one-on-one parent coaching and is a musical theater enthusiast, singer, teacher, writer and promoter of all things positive. She was recently widowed from her husband, Cary, with whom she shares four amazing, nearly flown children.