Properties of shape - Make 2D and 3D shapes - Planning

This engaging Year 2 Spring Geometry lesson plan is designed to help children grasp the concept of making 2D and 3D shapes. Using a variety of hands-on resources such as cardboard boxes, playdough, straws, marshmallows, and lolly sticks, children are encouraged to explore and create geometric shapes. The lesson begins with a starter activity that recaps previous learning and proceeds with class teaching input where children learn to differentiate between 2D flat shapes and 3D solid shapes. They are shown how 2D shapes come together to form 3D shapes while discussing key features using specific shape vocabulary. Independent learning activities are differentiated to cater to various levels of understanding, from working towards expected standards to achieving greater depth.

Throughout the lesson, children engage in practical activities such as opening and flattening boxes to count faces and identify 2D shapes, making cubes from playdough, and constructing 3D shapes using straws and marshmallows. They also explore creating different pens for toy sheep using lolly sticks, reinforcing their knowledge of 2D shapes like hexagons and rectangles. The lesson emphasizes the use of key vocabulary and concepts such as sides, edges, corners, vertices, and faces. To consolidate learning, a plenary session invites children to reflect on what they have learned, the skills they have used and found challenging, and the resources that aided their understanding. The lesson aims to correct common misconceptions about 2D and 3D shapes and to ensure children can confidently identify and name the shapes they create.