Mathematics – an introduction to 2D and 3D shapes
In Year One, the children explored a wide range of 2D and 3D shapes practically.
The children attempted to roll them, tack them and build with them, allowing them to explore their various properties in a meaningful manner. For example, Year 1 learnt that shapes that roll must have curved edges or faces, and that the best shapes for stacking have flat faces.
Year 1 looked for shapes in the classrooms, as well as spotting them around school. They were also encouraged to act as detectives, listening to clues that describe a shape to work out what shape it could be. For example:
- I can’t roll.
- I have 6 flat faces.
- All my edges are straight.
- I have 4 rectangular faces.
- What am I?
This technique of describing a cuboid, helped the children consolidate the new vocabulary of shape, and it meant they had to visualise what was being described.
