Teaching 2D Shapes and 3D Objects? We Have You Sorted!

Learning to differentiate 2D shapes from 3D objects is an important learning activity for young children that can support their cognitive, mathematical, language, and motor skill development.

This hands-on sorting activity can be used in your Maths lessons to help students recognise and categorise 2D shapes and 3D objects by comparing and contrasting their features.

What 2D and 3D Shapes Are Included?

This resource includes the following 2D and 3D shapes:

Hexagon, trapezium, oval, kite, parallelogram, rhombus, square, triangle, circle, rectangle, pentagon, octagon, cube, cylinder, triangular prism, square-based pyramid, hexagonal prism, triangular-based pyramid, sphere, cone, rectangular prism.

Multiple Applications for This Shape Sorting Activity  

This versatile Maths resource can be used in multiple ways in your classroom. Why not try some of the following suggestions:

• Whole-class warm-up
• Small-group rotations
• Targeted intervention groups
• Fast finisher challenge
• Homework activity

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to select between the colour or black-and-white version of this PDF resource.

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to reduce your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource 2D Shapes in the Environment Interactive Activity Teach students to recognise and name 2D shapes in component parts of everyday items in their environment. teaching resource 2D Shapes in the Environment Poster Pack Explore 2D shapes in the environment using this set of 8 display posters showing the shapes and everyday examples. teaching resource Sorting 2D Shapes and 3D Objects (Pot of Gold Theme) Sort coins that feature 2D shapes and 3D objects into their corresponding pots with a St. Patricks Day theme!