All about The Shape Game
While he was Children’s Laureate, Anthony Browne introduced the Shape Game: a fun way to encourage children to be creative and use their imaginations.
The rules are simple
Why play the Shape Game?
Although on one level it’s just a game, I believe that it encapsulates the act of creation… everything comes from something else, inspiration is everywhere..
Anthony Browne
Anthony Browne’s Shape Game is a fun activity that children enjoy, but it can also be a valuable creative tool for the classroom. Imaginative drawing games like this one help children to experiment and play, express their ideas visually and develop creative thinking skills.
Ideas for teachers
There is a terrible pressure on children to leave pictures behind and grow into words, as though this is an essential part of education and maturity. I strongly believe that the ability to read images is as equally important as the ability to read words.
Anthony Browne
Download activity sheets and resources for using the Shape Game in the classroom
Shape Game inspiration
During his Laureateship, Anthony Browne brought together 45 writers, artists, illustrators and celebrities to play the Shape Game: transforming a shape he had drawn for a special charity project. Walker Books then went on to publish these artworks in Play the Shape Game, a book aiming to encourage all children to join in.
See the Shape Game in action
Here’s what Phillip Pullman drew with the shape
Here’s what Michael Murpurgo drew with the shape
Here’s what Harry Hill drew with the shape
Here’s what Jacqueline Wilson drew with the shape
Here’s what Quentin Blake drew with the shape