Happy November!  If you're anything like me, you already have Christmas music (instrumentals only) playing on Pandora in your classroom.  I can't wait for the holiday season!  As Thanksgiving break approaches, I thought it might be a nice time to share some math resources I use to teach and assess 2D and 3D shapes.

Whenever I teach, I like to start with the standard or expectation in mind.  So I will start by sharing the assessment we use. 

Students are asked to identify each of the 2D and 3D shapes.  Then students must draw a triangle, square, rectangle, and circle.  Then they answer some true/false questions pertaining to the shape attributes.  If you'd like to download a PDF of this assessment, click HERE. 


In every lesson I teach, I attempt to teach the content using a variety of approaches.  There are often songs, videos, worksheets, and games involved.  Teaching geometry is no exception.  The rest of this post will consist of some resources I use to help students learn and remember the 2D and 3D shapes on our list!

Video: 

The 3D Shapes Song 

Powerpoints: 

1. 2D and 3D shapes introductory powerpoint
This powerpoint is a tool that can be used to introduce the following 2D and 3D shapes:
square, circle, rectangle, triangle, rhombus, hexagon, sphere, cube, cylinder, and cone.  

You can use it any way you see fit.  When I created it, this is how I intended to use it. 
1. Students get math notebook (or any blank paper).
2. Pull up the slide with the grey part on the bottom covering the words. 
3. Ask if any students know the shape.  If so, encourage them to tell you the shape.  If not, show them the name of it and discuss its attributes.
4. Then have students draw the shape in their notebook and label it. 

Download the 2D and 3D shapes powerpoint here. 

2. Two Dimensional Shapes Attributes True/False 
The powerpoint shows a 2D shape and lists attributes below. Students can come up to the Smartboard and circle T or F if the attribute is true or false. If you just have a projector, they can simply tell you whether the attribute listed is true or false.

Download the 2D Shapes Attribute True/False Powerpoint here.

Posters/Songs: 

This resource was not created by me but I LOVE it and highly recommend it.  There is a song for each shape.  

2D Shapes: 
triangle 
circle 
square 
rectangle 
oval 
star
heart
octagon 
hexagon 
pentagon 
trapezoid
rhombus (diamond)

3D Shapes:
Sphere
Cone
Cube
Cylinder
Rectangular Prism

These songs are sung to the tune of "The Farmer and the Dell."  This resource costs $3.00 on TPT.  In my opinion, it is worth every penny because the kids love singing these songs!  You can find this resource here. 

Worksheets:

Below is a list of links to some of my favorite worksheets for learning/remembering shapes. The best part, they are all free! :) 

1.  My Shape Book {All About 2D Shapes}

2.  Shape Monsters!

3.  3D Shapes Book with Real World Objects

4.  3D Shapes Cut and Paste 

Lastly, my favorite game/activity to do with the students to practice shapes is my 3D Shapes BINGO game.   You can find this resource in my TPT store here. 

I sincerely hope that you found this post helpful or enjoyable to read.  Any of these resources could be helpful for any teacher or parent hoping to teach their children or students 2D and 3D shapes. 

THANK YOU for reading and I hope you have a joyful holiday season.