Shape Properties Creation

Overview

This is the sixth and final lesson in the KS2 unit Exploring Shapes Together. Pupils will consolidate their understanding of 2D and 3D shapes by creating their own models from craft materials. They will identify and label properties such as the number of sides, vertices, edges, and faces, then present their creations to the class, supporting peer learning in an inclusive and engaging manner.

National Curriculum Links

Mathematics, KS2 - Geometry:

Identify and describe the properties of 2D shapes, including the number of sides and line symmetry in a vertical line (Year 3)
Identify and describe the properties of 3D shapes, including the number of edges, vertices and faces (Year 3)
Compare and classify geometric shapes based on their properties and sizes (Year 3)
Use the properties of rectangles, squares, and parallelograms to solve problems (Year 4)

This lesson primarily addresses Year 3 Geometry learning objectives but builds fluency to benefit all KS2 SEND learners at their developmental levels.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

WALT: Create 2D and 3D shapes using craft materials.
WALT: Identify and label properties: sides, vertices, edges, faces.
WALT: Talk about the shapes to explain their properties clearly to others.

Success Criteria

I can build a model of a 2D or 3D shape using craft materials.
I can correctly count and label the number of sides, vertices, edges, and faces.
I can confidently explain the properties of my shape to the class.
I listen respectfully to other pupils' presentations and ask questions.

Resources

Card, foam sheets, pipe cleaners, straws, modelling clay
Scissors, glue sticks, sticky tape
Labels, marker pens
Dyslexia-friendly labelled diagrams of common shapes (A4 with clear fonts, colour-coded sides/vertices)
Visual prompt cards with key vocabulary (side, vertex, edge, face) in simple language
Shape property worksheets adapted for SEND with visuals and word banks

Lesson Outline (30 minutes)

Time	Activity	Notes & Differentiation
0 - 5 mins	Starter: Quick recap through interactive Q&A Use visual flashcards of 2D and 3D shapes. Students say properties aloud.	Use peer support for recall. Use simplified sentence stems to scaffold responses.
5 - 20 mins	Main Task: Shape Making and Labelling Students create their own 2D or 3D shape models from craft materials. Label shapes with sides, vertices, edges, faces (as applicable).	Provide exemplar models for inspiration. Dyslexic learners get labelled diagrams to refer to. Support students with fine motor needs by pairing with a helper or using pre-cut materials.
20 - 28 mins	Presentations: Each student presents their shape, explaining properties using talk prompts (e.g., "My shape has _ sides"). Encourage questions from peers to foster communication.	Allow non-verbal presentations where necessary (show and point instead of speaking). Use sentence frames on the board for hesitant speakers.
28 - 30 mins	Plenary: Whole class reflection & praise — Ask: What did you enjoy about creating and describing shapes? What did you learn about shape properties?	Use visual smiley scale or thumbs up/down for quick feedback.

Differentiation Strategies

Lower ability: Use pre-cut shapes or simpler materials; focus on naming sides and vertices for 2D shapes only. Provide visual/symbolic aids and adult support.
English as an Additional Language (EAL): Use key vocabulary cards with pictures in mother tongue where possible. Visual aids reinforce understanding.
Fine Motor Difficulties: Provide options like modelling clay or larger foam shapes instead of cutting.
Speech & Language Needs: Use sentence starters and role-play presentations in smaller groups before whole class.
Dyslexic pupils: Use dyslexia-friendly fonts, colour coding for labels, and oral instructions.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Challenge pupils to create composite shapes by combining several 2D or 3D shapes and describe how the properties change.
Investigate more complex 3D shapes such as cones, cylinders, or pyramids and label additional properties.
Introduce vocabulary such as parallel, perpendicular (for 2D shapes), or curved edges (for 3D shapes) and ask pupils to identify examples.

Assessment

Formative assessment through observation during crafting and presentation.
Use a checklist for each student to note if they can: correctly construct shape, label properties, and explain features verbally.
Peer assessment encouraged during presentations with simple verbal or visual feedback.

Additional Notes for Teachers

This hands-on, creative lesson consolidates knowledge through multisensory learning—vital for SEND engagement.
Peer discussion and presentation boost confidence and communication skills.
Crafting cultivates fine motor and spatial reasoning abilities in a meaningful context.
Encouraging respectful listening reinforces classroom community and social skills.

By the end of this lesson, pupils will not only know shape properties but confidently apply and communicate that knowledge, embodying National Curriculum goals with inclusive and inspiring pedagogy.