Year 1

Recognise and name common 3-D shapes, including cuboids, cubes, pyramids and spheres

Recognise common solid shapes by name and appearance, and notice that 3-D shapes can be turned to see different faces.

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Lesson overview

Geometry - properties of shape

3-D shapes are solid shapes. They are not flat like 2-D shapes. We can hold them, turn them and look at different faces or curved surfaces. In Year 1, we learn to recognise and name common 3-D shapes such as cubes, cuboids, pyramids and spheres.

A cube

A cube is a solid shape with square faces.

A cube can be turned to see different square faces.

A sphere

A sphere is a solid shape that is round all over.

A sphere rolls because it has a curved surface.

A cuboid and a pyramid

Cuboids and pyramids are also solid 3-D shapes.

A cuboid has flat faces. A pyramid comes to a point.

View the same shape

The same solid shape can look different when we turn it.

Choose a solid shape, then switch between front, top and isometric views.

CubeIsometric view

This is the same solid shape from a different view.

Worked example

Leo picks up a solid shape that is round and can roll. What is it called?

Look at what the shape is like.
It is solid, so it is a 3-D shape.
It is round all over and can roll.
A 3-D shape like that is called a sphere.

Answer: sphere

Try it

Look at the solid shape and choose the correct name.

Question 1

Which shape is a sphere?

Question 2

What is the name of this solid shape?

Question 3

Which shape comes to a point?

Question 4

Which type of shape can be turned to see different faces?

Question 5

What is the name of this solid box-shaped shape?

Common mistakes

These reminders help when recognising solid shapes.

Choosing a 2-D shape name for a solid 3-D shape.
Calling every box-shaped solid a cube.
Forgetting that 3-D shapes can be turned to see different faces.