Year 1 Maths Autumn Block 3

Autumn Block 3: Geometry: Shape

Introduce Year 1 3D shapes and 2D shapes with this White Rose-aligned geometry unit. Pupils learn to recognise, name and sort a range of common shapes, using practical activities and visual models to build confidence and accurate mathematical language.

This unit follows the White Rose Maths small steps and supports children in identifying key features such as faces, edges and vertices (corners). Shape sorting and pattern-making activities help pupils begin to compare and describe shapes clearly, including recognising 3D shapes in everyday objects.

Each lesson includes planning, interactive slides, practical activities and differentiated worksheets, making it ideal if you are looking for high-quality 3D shape worksheets Year 1 and 2D shape activities with structured progression.

Download our free Year 1 maths yearly overview • Explore maths subject leader resources

View Small Steps and Curriculum Objectives

Week 10

  • Recognise and name 3D shapes
  • Sort 3D shapes
  • Recognise and name 2D shapes
  • Sort 2D shapes
  • Patterns with 3D and 2D shapes

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Recognise and name common 2D shapes including rectangles, squares, circles and triangles
  • Recognise and name common 3D shapes including cuboids, cubes, pyramids and spheres

Year 1 3D shapes and 2D shapes worksheets and resources

Help pupils develop secure understanding of Year 1 3D shapes and 2D shapes with this complete geometry unit, aligned with the White Rose Maths small steps and the Year 1 National Curriculum. Children learn to recognise, name and sort common shapes, using clear visuals, practical tasks and structured teaching to build confidence.

This block supports key skills such as recognising and naming 3D shapes, sorting shapes by their features, and identifying 3D shapes in everyday objects. Pupils also explore common 2D shapes and use shape patterns to deepen understanding and mathematical talk.

What’s included in this Year 1 shape unit?

Each small step includes everything you need for effective teaching, whether you are looking for 3D shapes Year 1 worksheets, a 3D shape worksheet Year 1 to support practice, or a full sequence of lessons to follow your school’s maths progression.

  • Differentiated Year 1 3D shapes worksheet resources and 2D shape worksheets
  • Clear teaching slides for modelling and class discussion
  • Practical activities to support sorting, matching and reasoning
  • Planning and guidance for every lesson
  • Vocabulary support for shape language including faces, edges and vertices

Recognising and naming 3D shapes in KS1

Many children find it easier to remember 3D shapes when they can link them to real objects. That’s why this unit includes activities to help pupils spot shapes in the world around them, such as cubes, cuboids and spheres, alongside clear vocabulary and sorting tasks.

You may also find these resources useful alongside the unit:

Download Year 1 3D shapes worksheets

Start your free trial to download this complete shape unit and access the rest of our Year 1 maths scheme of work. Every pack includes planning, slides, activities and worksheets, ready to teach.

Start your free trial to access all of our Year 1 maths units and resources.

Explore Geography Scheme