Make learning about 3D shapes exciting and competitive with the Name That 3D Object game! This simple and engaging resource gives students the opportunity to practise shape recognition while building strategic thinking and teamwork skills through game-based learning.

Designed for easy prep and use, the game only requires a die and some counters—making it ideal for rotations, early finishers, or small group tasks. Students take turns rolling a die and moving around the board, identifying 3D objects by matching the name to the correct picture. It’s fast-paced, fun, and supports visual recognition of shape features.

The goal is to be the first to get four counters in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Players can even bump each other off the board by stacking their counter over another! This lighthearted competition encourages students to stay alert and think critically about the shapes they’re matching.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name common 3D objects
• ✅ Strengthen shape recognition using visual cues
• ✅ Apply mathematical language in a playful context
• ✅ Build social and strategic skills through turn-taking and game play
• ✅ Engage in active learning that reinforces geometry outcomes

What’s Included:

• 1 game board featuring 3D object images and names
• Simple instructions for gameplay
• No-prep format – just print and go!

Materials Needed:

• Printed copy of the game board
• 1 die per group
• Player counters (e.g. coloured tokens, blocks, coins)
• Optional: small containers to store counters and dice for quick set-up

How to Use:

1. Print and laminate the game board if using repeatedly.
2. Divide students into pairs or small groups and provide each group with a die and counters.
3. Players take turns rolling the die and moving their counter along the board accordingly.
4. When landing on a shape name, they must match it to the corresponding picture on the board.
5. If the player is correct, they place a counter. First to get four in a row wins!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in maths rotations as a quick reinforcement task
• 💡 Add to your early finisher options during geometry units
• 💡 Incorporate into a game-based learning day or shape challenge week
• 💡 Use with parent volunteers or aides to support small group instruction
• 💡 Have students reflect on which shapes were trickiest and why

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on coloured card or laminate for long-term use
• 💛 Create team score sheets to extend the activity over multiple rounds
• 💛 Encourage students to use correct shape vocabulary during play
• 💛 Allow students to design their own variation of the game for an extension task

Name That 3D Object is a fun, fast-paced, and curriculum-aligned way to build shape recognition skills while promoting collaboration and strategic thinking in your maths classroom.