Explore, discuss and compare 2D shapes
I can explore, discuss, compare and sort 2D shapes.
Explore, discuss and compare 2D shapes
I can explore, discuss, compare and sort 2D shapes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Use everyday language to compare shapes e.g. wide, narrow, tall, short.
- Be able to count the sides and vertices of different 2D shapes.
- Understand how to sort shapes into two sets based on 'is' and 'is not' criteria.
- Be able to guess sorting rules by looking at how shapes have been sorted into two sets.
Keywords
Sides - The straight edges around the outside of a 2D shape.
Vertices - The corners of a 2D or 3D shape, where two or more edges or sides meet.
Rectangle - A 2D shape with 4 straight sides and 4 vertices.
Triangle - A 2D shape with 3 straight sides and 3 vertices.
Common misconception
Children may not recognise a 2D shape when it is presented in a different orientation.
Allow children to handle cut-outs of 2D shapes so they can rotate them and explore how the shapes look in different orientations.
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Explore, discuss and compare 2D shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Explore, discuss and compare 2D shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Recognise, compose, decompose and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions


















Exit quiz
6 Questions











