Year 1 Maths Lesson Plan: Introduction to 2D Shapes

Curriculum Area and Standards

- Learning Area: Mathematics and Statistics
- Strand: Geometry
- Level: Level 1 (Years 1-3)
- Achievement Objective: Students will be able to recognise and describe common two-dimensional shapes (2D).
- Curriculum Link: The New Zealand Curriculum Online - Mathematics and Statistics

Lesson Duration

- Total Duration: 50 minutes
- Date: [Insert Date Here]
- Class Size: 10 Students

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify common 2D shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles.
2. Describe the properties of these shapes, focusing on the number of sides and corners.
3. Create and manipulate shapes using hands-on materials.

Resources Needed

1. A variety of physical shape cutouts (foam or cardboard) - circles, squares, rectangles, triangles.
2. Interactive whiteboard or large paper to display shapes.
3. Worksheets for individual work (link to a sample worksheet: 2D Shapes Worksheet).
4. Age-appropriate storybook featuring various 2D shapes. Suggested title: "Shapes" by [Insert Author] - check local resources.

Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Story Time (5 min):
- Read an age-appropriate story that features various 2D shapes. During the reading, pause to point out and discuss the shapes visible in the illustrations.

2. Discussion (5 min):
- Ask students if they can name any shapes from the story or their surroundings.
- Introduce the key vocabulary: circle, square, rectangle, triangle, side, corner.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

1. Shape Exploration (15 min):
- Distribute shape cutouts to each student.
- Explore each shape by discussing and counting the sides and corners together as a class.
- Use the interactive whiteboard or large paper to demonstrate matching shapes to their names and properties.

2. Creating Shapes (15 min):
- Students use their cutouts to create a picture or pattern on their desk.
- Encourage creativity and ensure they use multiple types of shapes.
- Walk around to discuss each student's creation, reinforcing the names and characteristics of the shapes used.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Worksheet Activity (7 min):
- Hand out a worksheet that involves matching shapes to their names, counting sides and corners, and drawing shapes.
- Assist students as needed, ensuring understanding and correct identification of shapes.

2. Recap and Closing (3 min):
- Recap the shapes learned today and ask students to name their favourite shape and why.
- Collect materials and thank students for their participation.

Follow-Up Activities

- Encourage students to look for shapes in their environment, at home, or in the classroom, and report back the next day.
- Plan a shape hunt game for the following lesson where students find objects matching specific shapes around the class or school.

Assessment

- Informal observation of students during activities to assess understanding and ability to identify and describe shapes.
- Review completed worksheets to ensure correct identification and understanding of shapes' properties.

This lesson plan has been tailored to align with Level 1 of the New Zealand Curriculum, focusing on basic geometry knowledge suitable for Year 1 students, incorporating hands-on activities for better engagement and understanding.