Properties of shape - Count faces on 3D shapes - Planning

In the second week of the Geometry unit for Year 2, the lesson focuses on identifying and counting the faces on 3D shapes by relating them to their 2D counterparts. The lesson starts with children using their understanding of 2D shapes to recognise the types of faces present on various 3D shapes. A practical approach is encouraged, where students may use blue tac or similar methods to mark the faces on 3D shapes to avoid miscounting. The class is supported with differentiated sheets and teaching slides, and a 'feely bag' containing different shapes to enhance tactile learning. Key vocabulary such as 'face', 'flat', and 'curved' is emphasised, and resources like vocabulary cards are suggested for further clarification. Partner work is incorporated to promote discussion and full sentence explanations of their reasoning.

During the lesson, students are engaged in various activities, such as identifying the shape of each face on a 3D object and understanding the difference between 2D and 3D shapes using descriptive words like 'flat' and 'curved'. Problem-solving exercises challenge students to correct misconceptions, such as whether a cube has only five faces, and to categorise shapes based on their properties. The plenary involves a reflection activity where students give a 'thumbs up' to what they've learned, discuss the skills they've used like observation, and make a 'pinkie promise' to remember key lesson points. Differentiated learning sheets cater to varying levels of mastery, from 'Working Towards' to 'Greater Depth', where children either use aids to identify shapes or engage in more complex tasks such as research to determine unfamiliar 3D shapes.