Spring Block 6: 3-D Shapes

In Spring Block 6, pupils will explore 3-D shapes and their properties. They will identify and name various 3-D shapes, such as cubes, spheres, and pyramids, and understand how to recognise and use these shapes in their environment. Additionally, pupils will explore patterns, both simple and complex, and begin to copy and continue these patterns, further developing their mathematical thinking.

Week 11: Exploring 3-D Shapes

In Week 11, pupils will focus on recognising, naming, and using 3-D shapes. They will also begin to identify 2-D shapes within 3-D shapes, enhancing their understanding of how shapes relate to one another.

– Recognise and name 3-D shapes – Pupils will explore different 3-D shapes, including cubes, spheres, cones, and cylinders. They will learn to name these shapes and describe their properties, such as faces, edges, and vertices.
– Find 2-D shapes within 3-D shapes – Pupils will recognise that 3-D shapes can contain 2-D shapes as their faces. For example, a cube has square faces, and a cylinder has circular faces. This activity helps pupils understand the relationship between 2-D and 3-D shapes.
– Use 3-D shapes – Pupils will use 3-D shapes in hands-on activities to build structures and explore their properties. These activities will allow pupils to gain a deeper understanding of how 3-D shapes are used in the world around them.
– Find 3-D shapes in the environment – Pupils will search for 3-D shapes in their everyday surroundings. They will identify these shapes in objects such as balls, boxes, and buildings, helping them connect their learning to real-world examples.

Week 12: Patterns

In Week 12, pupils will focus on identifying, copying, and continuing patterns, an important skill in early mathematics.

– Identify complex patterns – Pupils will explore and identify more complex patterns, building on their previous knowledge of simple patterns. They will look for repeating sequences in shapes, colours, and numbers.
– Copy and continue a pattern – Pupils will practise copying and continuing patterns, using objects, shapes, or colours. This will help them understand the concept of patterns and how they can predict what comes next in a sequence.
– Find patterns in the environment – Pupils will also search for patterns in the environment, such as stripes on clothing or patterns in nature. This will help them recognise that patterns are all around us, encouraging them to make connections between mathematics and the world.

This block provides a comprehensive introduction to 3-D shapes and patterns, ensuring pupils develop a solid understanding of these key concepts. These skills will be foundational for further learning in geometry and mathematical reasoning.