2.5y–4.2y13 minFree playReadingFamily time
Flat or Solid? Shape Museum
Coach you to introduce mathematical names for ‘solid’ 3D shapes and ‘flat’ 2D shapes using everyday objects, with simple describing words (corners, sides, round, straight) in a playful ‘shape museum’ format.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a selection of 8–12 household objects with clear shapes (e.g., ball/orange, small box, cereal box, tin can, plate, book, lid, cup)
- two areas for sorting: ‘flat’ and ‘solid’ (paper signs or just two spots on the floor/table)
Nice to have
- paper and crayons (to draw around flat shapes or sketch shapes)
- a small mirror or tray (for the ‘museum display’)
- sticky notes (to label shapes with simple words like ‘cube’, ‘circle’)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSorts Objects by AttributeMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExtends vocabulary, especially by grouping and naming, exploring the meaning and sounds of new words.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneDescribes object propertiesMind· 2.5y–3y· core
- MilestoneGroups category membersMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands that they can use lines to enclose a space, and then begin to use these shapes to represent objects.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Shows an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows awareness of similarities of shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses positional language.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in shapes in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce children to the use of mathematical names for ‘solid’ 3D shapes and ‘flat’ 2D shapes, and the mathematical terms to describe shapes.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)