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Year 1 - Maths

Recognise, describe and sort 3D shapes

Recognise, compose, decompose and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes

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, describe and sort 3D shapes.

Key Notes

  • Understand how to sort shapes into 2 sets using the criteria 'has' and 'has no'.
  • Cuboids have rectangular faces and cubes have square faces.
  • Cylinders and cones both have some circular faces.
  • Pyramids always have some triangular face and may have a different shape face as a base.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Face: Any of the flat surfaces of an object.
  • Circular face: A flat surface of a 3D shape that is shaped like a circle with one curved line.
  • Square face: A flat surface of a 3D shape that is shaped like a square with four equal sides.
  • Rectangular face: A flat surface of a 3D shape that is shaped like a rectangle with four sides.
  • Triangular face: A flat surface of a 3D shape that is shaped like a triangle with three sides.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children might begin to confuse 2D and 3D. For example, describe a cube as a square.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Understand how to sort shapes into 2 sets using the criteria 'has' and 'has no'. Cuboids have rectangular faces and cubes have square faces.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Face'

Any of the flat surfaces of an object. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Children might begin to confuse 2D and 3D. For example, describe a cube as a square. Correction: Use geometric construction materials to explore the 2D shapes within 3D shapes. Look for familiar 3D shapes in the environment and discuss.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 Maths guide library.