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Reception Maths Autumn Block 5

Autumn Block 5: Circles and triangles

Introduce Reception pupils to 2D shapes and positional language with our Autumn Block 5 planning, aligned with the White Rose EYFS maths progression. Pupils explore circles and triangles through hands-on investigation, shape recognition games and real-world examples.

With strong foundations as the focus, the unit develops early shape recognition and spatial awareness. Pupils learn to identify circles and triangles in the environment and describe where objects are using positional language such as in, on, under and next to.

Download our free Reception maths yearly overview Explore maths subject leader resources

Week 9 small steps
  • Identify and name circles and triangles
  • Shapes in the environment
  • Describe position

More about Reception Autumn Block 5: Circles and triangles

Autumn Block 5 introduces pupils to circles and triangles as part of our EYFS maths scheme of work. Through practical tasks and real-world links, pupils learn to recognise, name and talk about basic 2D shapes using accurate mathematical language.

In Week 9, pupils explore where circles and triangles can be found in the environment, describe what they notice, and practise positional language such as next to, under and on top when explaining where objects are placed. With strong foundations as the priority, the unit builds early spatial awareness and shape reasoning in a clear, developmentally appropriate way.

Each lesson includes a step-by-step plan, teaching slides and engaging shape activities. The pack also includes optional Reception shape worksheets and additional 2D shape activities for EYFS to support adult-guided sessions, consolidation and evidence gathering.

The resources are practical and age-appropriate, combining structured whole-class teaching with links to continuous provision and exploratory learning. Everything is sequenced for progression as part of your wider Reception maths planning.

Continue your journey through our EYFS maths curriculum with Autumn Block 4: 1, 2, 3 and EYFS Spring term maths lessons.