Year 1 - Maths
Explore and recognise 2D shapes
Recognise, compose, decompose and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will compose, copy, extend and develop repeating and radiating patterns. They will explore, discuss and compare 3D and 2D shapes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to recognise 2D shapes such as rectangles, circles and triangles.
Key Notes
- Recognise 2D shapes that are the same, including when the rotation, size or proportion has changed.
- Circles are round and have a curved line around the outside.
- Triangles have 3 straight sides and 3 vertices.
- Rectangles have 4 straight sides and 4 vertices.
- Squares are a type of rectangle that have 4 sides the same length.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Circle: A 2D shape with one curved line around the outside.
- Triangle: A 2D shape with 3 sides and 3 vertices.
- Rectangle: A 2D shape with 4 sides and 4 vertices.
- Square: A 2D shape with 4 sides the same length and 4 vertices.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may think that a square is not a rectangle.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Recognise 2D shapes that are the same, including when the rotation, size or proportion has changed. Circles are round and have a curved line around the outside.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Circle'
A 2D shape with one curved line around the outside. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may think that a square is not a rectangle. Correction: Count the sides and vertices of rectangles (including squares) to show they all have 4 (concept is revisited throughout Year 1 and beyond).
More Lessons In This Unit
- Compose tangram images Study Guide
- Composing pattern block images Study Guide
- Copy, extend and describe repeating patterns Study Guide
- Examine ways that cubes can be composed into different arrangements Study Guide
- Explore, discuss and compare 2D shapes Study Guide
- Explore, discuss and identify shapes that are and are not circles Study Guide
- Explore, discuss and identify shapes that are and are not rectangles Study Guide
- Explore, discuss and identify shapes that are and are not triangles Study Guide
- Explore, recognise and compare three different 3D shapes Study Guide
- Explore, recognise and compare three more 3D shapes Study Guide
- Identify 2D shapes within 3D shapes Study Guide
- Radiating patterns Study Guide
- Recognise, describe and sort 3D shapes Study Guide
- Tetrominoes and pentominoes Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 1 Maths guide library.