Year 3 Maths Lesson Plan: Properties of 2D and 3D Shapes
Free Year 3 maths lesson plan on properties of 2D and 3D shapes. Identify, describe, and classify shapes by their properties with differentiation.
Learning objective
I can identify and describe 2D and 3D shapes using mathematical properties (sides, vertices, edges, faces).
Key vocabulary
- polygon
- vertex
- edge
- face
- parallel
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Geometry
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Show a mystery shape covered apart from a single corner. Pupils predict what shape it might be and justify using only what is visible. Reveal the shape and discuss which clues helped — corner angle, number of sides visible, shape of side.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Sort a set of 2D shapes by number of sides, then by whether sides are parallel. Introduce vocabulary: vertex, parallel, polygon. Move to 3D shapes — pupils handle physical solids and complete a property table (faces, edges, vertices) for cube, cuboid, cylinder, triangular prism, square-based pyramid. Final task: 'I am a 3D shape with 6 faces and 12 edges. What might I be?' (cube or cuboid).
Differentiation
Support
Work with physical 3D solids and pre-printed 2D shape sheets. Focus on counting sides and corners before introducing parallel/vertex vocabulary.
Core
Complete a properties table for five 3D shapes. Identify quadrilaterals by their properties.
Stretch
Classify polygons using a Carroll diagram with two criteria simultaneously (e.g. 'has parallel sides' × 'has a right angle').
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Show two shapes — a square and a rhombus. Pupils discuss in pairs what is the same and what is different. Aim: identify both have 4 equal sides; the rhombus has angles that are not right angles.
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often confuse 'face', 'edge', and 'vertex' on 3D shapes. Use a physical cube and trace each as you name it: face = flat surface, edge = where two faces meet, vertex = corner point.
Want this fully resourced for your class — slides, worksheet, exit ticket?
Generate the full editable version of this Year 3 maths lesson plan in TAyumira's free planner. Slides, worked examples, differentiated tasks, and a check-for-understanding plenary — ready in minutes. No credit card.
Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 3 maths lesson?
I can identify and describe 2D and 3D shapes using mathematical properties (sides, vertices, edges, faces).
How long does this properties of 2d and 3d shapes lesson take?
60 minutes, structured into a starter, main activity, and plenary. Differentiation guidance is included for support, core, and stretch learners.
Is this lesson plan free to download?
Yes. The full plan is free to read and adapt. You can also generate an editable, fully resourced version in TAyumira's free lesson planner — no credit card required.
Does this lesson cover the UK National Curriculum?
Yes. This plan aligns with National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Geometry.
Can I edit this lesson plan for my class?
Yes. Use this as a template and adapt to your class context. To save typing time, generate a customised version in TAyumira's free planner — your class size, ability range, and lesson length are factored in automatically.