2D Shape Monsters: Identify & Count 2D Shapes Worksheets offers a playful and engaging way for students to practise identifying and counting basic 2D shapes. With friendly monster-themed illustrations and interactive elements, this resource blends creativity with core geometry skills, making it ideal for early years and lower primary classrooms.

Each worksheet features a monster constructed from a variety of geometric shapes—including squares, rectangles, triangles, circles and hexagons. Students are invited to observe, identify, count and record each shape they find, strengthening their visual discrimination and data collection skills. A clear table is provided on each worksheet to support structured recording and encourage mathematical thinking.

In addition to the pre-designed monsters, the resource includes blank templates that allow students to create their own monsters using shapes of their choice. This open-ended element supports creative expression and provides an opportunity for extension or differentiation. Students can select four shapes to include in their design, decorate the monster, and then complete the tally and total in the table below—offering an ideal blend of artistic freedom and structured mathematical practice.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name common 2D shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, hexagon)
• ✅ Count and record quantities using visual data
• ✅ Recognise shapes in different orientations and sizes
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills through colouring and tracing

What’s Included:

• Worksheets featuring shape monster illustrations with embedded 2D shapes
• Blank monster templates for open-ended shape creation and recording
• Recording table to support shape counting and organisation

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet pages (A4 or A3 as needed)
• Coloured pencils or markers
• Optional: tally charts or real shape manipulatives

How to Use:

• Begin by reviewing 2D shapes and discussing where students might see them in real life.
• Provide students with a worksheet and have them colour or trace each shape before counting to assist with accuracy.
• Students record the number of each shape in the provided table, using tallies or direct counting.
• If using the blank monster worksheet, allow students to pick four shapes to include, decorate their monster, and then complete the count.
• Encourage students to compare their results and discuss which shapes were most or least common.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include as part of a 2D shape unit or maths centre rotation
• 💡 Use in small groups to reinforce vocabulary like “sides,” “corners,” and “vertices”
• 💡 Display student-designed monsters as part of a shape-themed classroom wall
• 💡 Pair with physical shape tiles or attribute blocks for hands-on extension

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Colour code each shape to make counting and comparison easier
• 💛 Encourage students to describe their monsters using mathematical language (e.g. “My monster has 3 triangles for its teeth”)
• 💛 Turn shape data into simple bar or picture graphs to explore early data concepts
• 💛 Try our 2D Shape Monster Craft for a creative alternative

2D Shape Monsters: Identify & Count 2D Shapes Worksheets is the perfect combination of fun and learning—developing shape recognition, counting and creative skills all in one engaging task. It’s a must-have resource for building early geometry foundations in a meaningful way.