In Year 2 children will develop their understanding of simple 3D and 2D shapes, exploring in more detail the properties of familiar shapes. They will come across new terms such as ‘vertices’, count the faces on more complex 3D shapes and draw 2D shapes with the help of ‘dotted’ and squared paper.

A pinboard is very useful for exploring all the possible four and five sided shapes. This may be simply made by nailing panel pins or small nails into a piece of plywood approximately 24cm × 24cm.

Cut out the plywood and mark a grid of lines at 2 cm intervals in both directions across the plywood. Tap in the pins at the points where the lines of the grid meet. Leave enough of the pins protruding to accommodate elastic bands.

When exploring 2D shapes made up of squares it is worth discussing what counts as a shape e.g. does joining two squares at the corner make a shape? What would happen if you cut it out?….. etc.

Children will also be introduced to the idea of symmetry, which will involve cutting and folding shapes.

A key part of the Year 2 Shape Programme of Study is to:

‘Order and arrange combinations of mathematical objects in patterns and sequences.’

This involves making repeated patterns and describing what is happening. Questions such as, ‘How many different shapes are there in the pattern?’, ‘What comes after the circle?’ etc will lead on to predicting how the pattern will continue.

We have a great selection of resources for creating patterns with 2D shapes, predicting shapes further on in the pattern and explaining those predictions. Not as easy as they might look at a glance and excellent in helping children to think logically.