2. What children learn about shape in Reception
and KS1
• The names of common 2D shapes such as: rectangle, square, circle, triangle, pentagon,
hexagon and octagon.
• The names of common 3D shapes, such as: cube, cuboid, pyramid, sphere, cylinder,
triangular prism and cone.
• Describe shapes by their properties: numbers of sides, faces, edges, vertices, etc.
• Identify vertical lines of symmetry in 2D shapes.
• Arrange and order mathematical objects in a variety of patterns and to continue these
sequences by following the existing patterns.
• Use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction, and movement e,g. above, left,
and right.
• Make and identify turns, including whole, half, quarter, and three-quarter turns and link these
to clockwise and anti-clockwise and angles.
5. Properties of 2D Shapes
• When we talk about 2D shapes, we talk about sides and angles using words such as straight,
curved, corner, right angle, flat, and symmetrical. (The angles of a 2D shape are also referred to as
'vertices' singular: vertex).
6. Properties of 3D Shapes
• When we talk about 3D shapes, we talk about faces, edges and
vertices.
• The faces are the flat parts of the shape.
• The edges are the lines where two faces meet.
• The vertices are the points where two or more edges meet.
Click on the arrow to watch a short video on how to
describe shapes by their properties
7.
8. Patterns and Sequences
• Your child will learn to arrange and order mathematical objects in a variety of patterns,
including repeating patterns and sequences. They will also be able to continue these
sequences by following the existing patterns. e.g.
• Your child might be asked to find the next two shapes in this sequence.
9. Position, direction, and movement
Click on the arrow to watch the Hip Hop Granny
‘Direction, Position and Movement Rap’
