See free Year 1 common 2-d and 3-d shapes worked examples with clear strategies and answers, aligned to the England primary curriculum.
Model the thinking
Four worked examples
Try each question first, then compare the strategy and answer. The aim is to understand the method, not just copy the final result.
1
Name it
Which shape has 3 straight sides? circle / triangle / square.
How to think about it: Underline the unit or property being tested before calculating. Draw or label the shape/measure if useful, then check that the final answer includes the correct unit or geometric fact.
Show answer
Answer: Triangle
2
Sides
How many sides does a square have?
How to think about it: Underline the unit or property being tested before calculating. Draw or label the shape/measure if useful, then check that the final answer includes the correct unit or geometric fact.
Show answer
Answer: 4
3
Corners
How many corners does a rectangle have?
How to think about it: Underline the unit or property being tested before calculating. Draw or label the shape/measure if useful, then check that the final answer includes the correct unit or geometric fact.
Show answer
Answer: 4
4
3-D shape
Which shape rolls easily: cube or sphere?
How to think about it: Underline the unit or property being tested before calculating. Draw or label the shape/measure if useful, then check that the final answer includes the correct unit or geometric fact.
Show answer
Answer: Sphere
Next step
Turn the explanation into practice
Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.