Understanding 2D and 3D Shapes for Kids

What are Shapes?

2D Shapes – Two dimensional shapes, are shapes which only have length and width.

3D Shapes – Three dimensional shapes, are shapes which have length, width and height.

What are some common errors children encounter when learning Shapes?

When first learning shapes children may struggle to differentiate between flat and solid shapes and are likely to mix them up. Through practice, exploration, and repetition with a side of positive reinforcement, children will be able to pick up the concept of shapes. Remember to encourage your child to slow down and revisit an activity if any confusion or errors are encountered. 

What is the benefit of learning Shapes?

Shapes are one of the first things children learn when it comes to numeracy. As well as inspiring children to use their imagination and creativity and assisting with fine motor development, and spatial awareness, it also helps enhance their language skills, as they will be learning the names of each shape.

Manipulating 2D and 3D shapes will encourage children to utilise problem solving and critical thinking skills, such when stacking shapes or building shapes in such a way where the structures don’t collapse.

Learning shapes helps children recognise shapes in everyday life such as buildings, vehicles, and household items further enhancing their understanding of the world around them.

How to teach your child at home?

Learning shapes at home can be done with any household items. This can be from identifying the shapes of different objects around the house:  bookshelves, books themselves, tables, pots, pans, etc.

If children have blocks or 3D shapes, encourage the children to stack the shapes. You can also set a goal for the child such as, stacking 10 shapes and making them balance or stacking several 2D shapes until they create a 3D shape.