Geometry Shape - Sort 2D shapes - Planning

In a Year 1 geometry lesson, the objective is to teach children how to sort two-dimensional shapes. The lesson begins with a small step starter where children practise reading and matching words such as 'circle', 'square', 'rectangle', 'triangle', 'pentagon', and 'hexagon' to images of these shapes. The class then recaps previous learning, focusing on sorting and grouping 2-D shapes based on simple properties like type, size, and colour. The children are encouraged to understand that a shape's orientation does not change its properties. The lesson involves interactive activities where children identify the odd one out, discuss how shapes have been sorted, and sort shapes themselves into different groups, encouraging them to explain their reasoning and engage in partner work to enhance their understanding and verbal skills.

The lesson is supported by differentiated worksheets, teaching slides, and a variety of 2-D shapes and labels to assist in the learning process. Key vocabulary such as 'rectangle', 'square', 'circle', 'triangle', 'side', 'vertex', and 'properties' are introduced, with vocabulary cards and definitions available for further clarification. As part of their independent learning, children are challenged with reasoning and problem-solving tasks, such as finding multiple ways to sort shapes and identifying and explaining any mistakes. The lesson concludes with a plenary where children reflect on what they have learned using the 'Give me five' strategy, which covers what they have understood, the skills they have used, any challenges faced, the support that helped them, and what they will remember from the lesson. Differentiation is provided for varying levels of understanding, from working towards expected levels to achieving greater depth, where children may even create their own categories for sorting shapes.