If you’re looking for a way to introduce 2D shapes and key geometry vocabulary in a clear and engaging way, our Introducing 2D Shapes POWERPOINT is the perfect place to start. This presentation is designed to support a strong foundation in early geometry and is ideal for launching your next shapes unit.

Targeted toward Year 1 and 2 learners, this PowerPoint walks students through the properties of eight common 2D shapes, including real-world examples and easy-to-understand terminology. It also introduces concepts such as quadrilaterals and parallel lines, making it a valuable tool for building deeper understanding. The included “2D Shapes Sort” slide can also be used with Foundation students for a more accessible entry point.

This resource provides everything you need to build knowledge and confidence before moving into hands-on and independent activities. Whether used for direct instruction, class discussions, or visual support, it makes shape learning meaningful and engaging.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name common 2D shapes
• ✅ Recognise key properties such as sides, corners, and lines
• ✅ Understand and use vocabulary like “quadrilateral” and “parallel”
• ✅ Make connections between shapes and real-world examples

What’s Included:

• PowerPoint presentation introducing 8 2D shapes
• Visual examples and real-world shape connections
• Slides exploring shape names, properties, and terminology
• “2D Shapes Sort” activity slide for guided or independent classification

Materials Needed:

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• PowerPoint-compatible device
• Optional: student whiteboards or journals for responding during the presentation

How to Use:

• • Display the PowerPoint during a whole-class lesson to introduce each shape
• • Pause at key points to ask students questions or encourage discussion
• • Complete the “2D Shapes Sort” slide together, or print it for independent work
• • Follow up with hands-on tasks to reinforce learning

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as the first lesson in your 2D shapes unit to introduce vocabulary and visuals
• 💡 Pair with shape posters or manipulatives to provide concrete examples during the presentation
• 💡 Assign as a review before a shape-based assessment
• 💡 Use the sort slide during rotations or small group work for differentiation
• 💡 Print select slides as anchor charts or reference cards for student folders

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Allow students to take turns identifying shapes in the classroom that match the one on each slide
• 💛 Use simple hand signals (e.g. number of fingers for sides) to keep the class engaged during the lesson
• 💛 Pause after each shape to complete a matching task or drawing activity
• 💛 Use the editable feature to tailor examples to your school environment or student interests
• 💛 Reinforce terminology with a classroom shape word wall created from student suggestions after viewing

2D Shapes Colour & Count, 2D Shapes Match It and the 2D Shapes Scavenger Hunt are perfect follow-up activities once students have completed the presentation.