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EYFS Exploring 3D Shapes Learning Activity

EYFS Exploring 3D Shapes Learning Activity

Mathematics: EYFS Exploring 3D Shapes Learning Activity

This learning activity enables children to develop their understanding of ‘solid’ 3D shapes. You can use this as a matching activity, where children match the prepared separate cards or as a cutting activity where children cut out the cards independently before matching them together. In both instances, children match the everyday object to its corresponding 3D shape. Supporting adults can ensure children use the correct vocabulary, i.e. faces, flat, curved, edges, corners/vertices, the same and equal, by asking appropriate questions.

Download our EYFS Development Matters Statement codes.

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What's included in the pack?

This pack includes:

  • EYFS Exploring 3D Shapes activity pages in nine different themes.
  • EYFS Exploring 3D Shapes suggested questions and uses.
  • EYFS Exploring 3D Shapes observation sheet with suggested links to other areas of learning and development, and characteristics of effective learning.

Development Matters Statement Links

3 and 4 year olds
(M-10) Talk about and explore 2D and 3D shapes (for example, circles, rectangles, triangles and cuboids) using informal and mathematical language: ‘sides’, ‘corners’; ‘straight’, ‘flat’, ‘round’.
(M-15) Select shapes appropriately: flat surfaces for building, a triangular prism for a roof etc.
(M-16) Combine shapes to make new ones - an arch, a bigger triangle etc.

Children in Reception
(M-29) Select, rotate and manipulate shapes in order to develop spatial reasoning skills.

Early Learning Goal
There is no Early Learning Goal for shape, space and measures, but it is important that the curriculum includes rich opportunities for children to develop their spatial reasoning skills across all areas of mathematics.

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