Encourage creative thinking and shape recognition with our My 2D Shape Picture Activity! In this hands-on task, students will build a picture using 2D shape blocks, helping to reinforce their understanding of common shapes while having fun with construction and design.

Once students have finished building their shape picture, they will record the number of each shape they used—combining visual reasoning with simple counting and data collection. For an added challenge or fine motor focus, students can trace around their shape blocks to recreate their design as a drawing.

My 2D Shape Picture Activity is ideal for maths rotations, small group tasks, early finishers, or as a creative follow-up to a lesson on shapes and their properties.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name common 2D shapes
• ✅ Create visual representations using shape blocks
• ✅ Record and count the number of each shape used
• ✅ Engage in creative construction and design
• ✅ Practise fine motor control through tracing and drawing

What’s Included:

• Shape picture template with shape-counting table
• Optional tracing version for drawing-based responses
• Teacher guide with ideas for implementation

Materials Needed:

• 2D shape blocks or pattern blocks
• Printed recording sheets
• Pencils, crayons, or markers
• Optional: shape stencils or cutouts for tracing

How to Use:

• • Provide students with a set of shape blocks
• • Instruct them to create a picture using as many shapes as they wish
• • Students then complete the table to record how many of each shape they used
• • Optional: have students trace their shapes to recreate their design as a drawing
• • Use as a one-off task or revisit as a rotating activity throughout your shape unit

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in your maths block during a shape unit
• 💡 Pair with shape sorting or shape hunt activities for consolidation
• 💡 Add to an early finisher bin for creative exploration
• 💡 Encourage students to describe their picture using shape vocabulary
• 💡 Display finished shape pictures with accompanying shape data as a class wall

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model how to record and count the shapes before students begin
• 💛 Use laminated sheets with whiteboard markers for reusable practice
• 💛 Challenge students to use a set number of shapes or include all types
• 💛 Include a writing prompt to describe their creation for cross-curricular connection

This activity pairs perfectly with our Collect and Construct Shape Game.