3-D Objects/2-D Shapes

Strand: Shape and Space (3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes)
Outcomes: 2, 3

Step 3: Plan for Instruction

Guiding Questions

What learning opportunities and experiences should I provide to promote learning of the outcomes and permit students to demonstrate their learning?
What teaching strategies and resources should I use?
How will I meet the diverse learning needs of my students?

A. Assessing Prior Knowledge and Skills

Before introducing new material, consider ways to assess and build on students' knowledge and skills related to shape and space. For example:

Have students find 2-D shapes in the classroom by asking, "Can you show me something that is shaped like this?" and holding up an example of a circle, square, rectangle or triangle. You may need to ensure there are examples of all these in view.
Have students demonstrate 2-D shapes with their arms or other body parts. They may work with a partner.
Have students identify 3-D objects in the classroom by asking, "Can you show me something that is shaped like this?" and holding up a sphere, cube, rectangular solid, cone, cylinder or pyramid (reminder to teacher that there are square pyramids and triangular pyramids).

If a student appears to have difficulty with these tasks, consider further individual assessment, such as a structured interview, to determine the student's level of skill and understanding.

Sample Structured Interview: Assessing Prior Knowledge and Skills

B. Choosing Instructional Strategies

Consider the following strategies when planning lessons.

Use many manipulatives that are common objects for students to identify as 2-D or 3-D items.
Starting with a 3-D object, have students identify the 2-D shapes needed to make the object.
Ask students to bring 3-D objects from home to share with the class. Have them tell one or two things that they find interesting about what they have brought from home.
Use the names of the 2-D shapes when talking about them and slowly introduce the names of the 3-D objects.
Use 2-D shapes around the room to help you divide students into groups. Tape on the floor a large triangle, a large circle, a large square and a large rectangle and divide students so that they know which group (e.g., triangle) they are sorted into. This can be one way to assign classroom tasks.

C. Choosing Learning Activities

Learning Activities are examples of activities that could be used to develop student understanding of the concepts identified in Step 1.

Sample Learning Activities
Teaching 2-D Shapes and 3-D Objects	Download Activities