Reception Maths Spring Block 6

Spring Block 6: 3-D Shapes

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Spring Block 6: 3-D Shapes is the final unit in our EYFS maths spring term scheme. Pupils explore and name 3-D shapes, find them in everyday contexts, and investigate how they relate to 2-D shapes. This block also includes pattern work, helping children copy, continue and spot more complex patterns around them.

Children engage with 3-D shapes through hands-on activities and practical exploration. They learn to name and use shapes like cubes, cones and spheres, and look for these shapes in their environment. They also begin to recognise that 2-D shapes can be found on the surfaces of 3-D shapes.

In Week 12, pupils focus on patterns and sequences. They identify, copy and extend complex patterns and explore examples in the world around them. These lessons build early spatial awareness and strengthen reasoning and comparison skills.

Each EYFS maths lesson includes:

  • Structured 3-D shape lesson plans for Reception
  • Teacher-led EYFS shape PowerPoints
  • Optional shape worksheets for Reception and practical activities
  • Ideas for continuous provision using 3-D shapes and patterns

This unit follows on from Spring Block 5: Building 9 and 10 and leads smoothly into our EYFS maths summer term blocks.

Small Steps and Curriculum Objectives

Week 11 Small Steps:

  • Recognise and name 3-D shapes
  • Find 2-D shapes within 3-D shapes
  • Use 3-D shapes
  • Find 3-D shapes in the environment

Week 12 Small Steps:

  • Identify complex patterns
  • Copy and continue a pattern
  • Find patterns in the environment

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Reception Maths – Spring Block 6: 3-D Shapes and Patterns

Spring Block 6 introduces Reception pupils to 3-D shapes and early pattern recognition. This block builds mathematical vocabulary and reasoning skills through practical activities, helping children identify, describe and use common 3-D shapes like cubes, cones and spheres. Pupils also begin to recognise 2-D shapes within 3-D shapes, laying a strong foundation for future geometry skills.

Week 11: Exploring 3-D Shapes

  • Recognise and name 3-D shapes – Pupils explore cubes, cylinders, cones and spheres using real-life examples and hands-on investigation.
  • Find 2-D shapes within 3-D shapes – Activities focus on identifying circles, squares and triangles on the faces of 3-D objects.
  • Use 3-D shapes in practical contexts – Children sort, stack and build with shape blocks to develop spatial awareness and understanding of form.
  • Find 3-D shapes in the environment – Pupils spot examples like food containers, boxes and tins to make real-world connections.

Week 12: Patterns

  • Identify complex patterns – Pupils work with shape patterns, colour patterns and repeating sequences.
  • Copy and continue a pattern – They use manipulatives to practise AB, AAB and ABB sequences, developing early algebraic thinking.
  • Find patterns in the environment – Children observe patterns in books, displays, clothing and nature to apply their learning in context.

This unit supports the EYFS Early Learning Goals for Numerical Patterns and Shape, Space and Measures. It prepares pupils for KS1 shape learning and gives them the tools to describe and compare both 2-D and 3-D shapes confidently. As part of our EYFS maths scheme of work, these lessons align with White Rose EYFS Spring planning and complete the spring term’s progression.

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