3D Shape Activities
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 11
3D Shape Activities
- Shape matching game with real-life object cards and shape cards
- “This is a…” sentence building cards
- Shape flip book to staple, with shapes on one side and real objects on the other
- Spin and cover game
Kids match real objects to their shapes, like a ball and a sphere or a hat and a cone. Shapes include sphere, cube, cone, cylinder, rectangular prism and triangular prism.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Stapler
- Paper clip and pencil for the spinner
- Small counters
Standards for 3D Shapes
These activities support early math standards connected to naming 3D shapes and finding them in the real world.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.3: Identify shapes as two-dimensional (lying in a plane, “flat”) or three-dimensional (“solid”). Kids sort each card as flat or solid.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes. Kids name the 3D shape of each real object.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.C.1: Child names and describes common 2D shapes and names at least 1 solid 3D shape. Kids name each 3D shape, like a cone and a sphere.
- TEKS K.6(B): Identify three-dimensional solids, including cylinders, cones, spheres and cubes, in the real world. Kids match each solid to an object like a ball or a hat.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- Science K.3: Physical properties of an object can be described. Kids describe the shape of each real object.
3D Shape Activities give preschool and kindergarten kids hands-on practice naming 3D shapes and finding them in everyday objects.
The pack has four ways to practice: a matching game, sentence building cards, a flip book and a spin and cover game. Every activity connects each shape to something kids see every day.
Start with the matching game, then build sentences like “This is a cone.” Kids make their own flip book to take home.
How to Use 3D Shape Activities
- Print, laminate and cut apart the cards.
- Play the matching game: flip two cards and look for a shape and an object that go together.
- Build “This is a…” sentences with the cards.
- Cut, sort and staple the flip book.
- Spin the spinner and cover the matching shape.
Small Group: Play the matching game together and talk about each match.
Shape Hunt: Look for the same shapes around the room after the game.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These 3D Shape Activities
Every group has a mix of shape and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Play the matching game face up.
- Start with 3 shapes.
- Use real objects next to the cards.
- Name each shape together.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play every activity in the pack.
- Read the sentence cards.
- Make the flip book.
- Name each shape and object.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Find more real objects for each shape.
- Write a new “This is a…” sentence.
- Tell how a cube and a square are different.
- Play the matching game with more cards.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name each shape together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Trace each shape with a finger to feel the sides and corners.
- Use real shape blocks next to the pages.
3D Shape Activities Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Shape units
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
