Shape, position and direction resources Reception

Enhance your Reception maths curriculum with our comprehensive range of resources designed specifically for teaching shape, position, and direction. Our materials support the EYFS framework, providing engaging and interactive activities that help young learners recognise and name common 2D and 3D shapes, such as circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, cubes, and spheres. Our shape recognition worksheets and hands-on manipulatives are perfect for fostering a solid understanding of geometric concepts in an early years setting.

What should children in Reception learn about shape, position and direction?

According to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, children in Reception should develop a basic understanding of shape, position, and direction. The focus is on building foundational skills through exploration and play. Here are the key learning objectives:

Shape

1. Recognising and Naming Shapes:
   • 2D Shapes: Children should learn to recognise and name common 2D shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles.
   • 3D Shapes: They should also be introduced to basic 3D shapes like cubes, spheres, cones, and cylinders.
2. Describing Properties:
   • 2D Shapes: Pupils should describe the properties of 2D shapes, such as the number of sides and corners (vertices).
   • 3D Shapes: They should begin to describe the properties of 3D shapes, including the number of faces, edges, and vertices.

Position and Direction

1. Positional Language:
   • Children should use positional language to describe where objects are located. This includes terms like “in front of,” “behind,” “next to,” “between,” “under,” “on top of,” “inside,” and “outside.”
2. Directional Language:
   • Pupils should be introduced to basic directional language, including “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “forwards,” and “backwards.”