Reception Maths – Autumn Block 5: Circles and Triangles

Understanding shapes and their properties is a key part of early mathematical development. In Autumn Block 5: Circles and Triangles, pupils will begin to explore simple 2D shapes, focusing on identifying, naming, and describing them in different contexts. This unit is aligned with the White Rose progression, ensuring a structured and effective approach to shape recognition and spatial awareness. Pupils will engage in hands-on activities that help them recognise circles and triangles in their environment, understand their features, and describe their position in space using key mathematical vocabulary.

Week 9: Exploring Circles and Triangles

This week introduces pupils to circles and triangles, helping them to build confidence in identifying and describing these shapes. By using practical activities, play-based learning, and real-world examples, pupils will develop a secure understanding of these fundamental 2D shapes.

– Identify and name circles and triangles – Pupils will begin by exploring circles and triangles in a variety of contexts. They will learn to name these shapes, recognise them in different orientations, and understand that they retain their properties even when rotated or resized. Activities such as sorting, matching, and shape hunts will encourage pupils to engage with circles and triangles in a meaningful way.

– Shapes in the environment – Pupils will be encouraged to spot circles and triangles in the world around them, making links between mathematical concepts and real-life objects. Whether it is a clock face, a wheel, a road sign, or a slice of pizza, pupils will start to see how shapes are all around them. This real-world connection helps to reinforce their learning and make it relevant to their everyday experiences.

– Describe position – Building on their shape knowledge, pupils will learn to describe where objects are positioned using mathematical language. Terms such as “on top of”, “next to”, “under”, and “between” will be introduced and reinforced through practical activities. Pupils will place shapes in different positions and describe their location, helping to develop early spatial reasoning skills.

This structured approach ensures that pupils not only recognise circles and triangles but also begin to understand how they relate to the space around them.

Why This Unit Matters

A strong understanding of shapes and spatial awareness is fundamental to early mathematical learning. By exploring circles and triangles in an engaging and structured way, pupils develop key problem-solving and reasoning skills that will support them as they progress in maths. This unit encourages active exploration, discussion, and hands-on learning, helping pupils to see the relevance of shapes in the world around them.

By following the White Rose progression, this unit ensures a logical and well-sequenced approach to early shape learning, building on previous knowledge and preparing pupils for future mathematical concepts. Through practical activities, real-life connections, and clear mathematical vocabulary, pupils will gain confidence in recognising and describing circles, triangles, and their positions, laying a strong foundation for their continued mathematical journey.

Explore our EYFS maths scheme of work for Reception aged children