If you’re looking for a hands-on 2D shape craft with the added benefit of creating an educational and colourful classroom display, then the 2D Shape Buddies Craft is the activity for you! This engaging task helps students consolidate their knowledge of 2D shapes while developing fine motor skills in a fun and collaborative way.

Students create their own shape buddy from a range of provided templates, then accordion fold the arms so their buddy can hold hands with others—perfect for a bright and interactive display. Whether students create a pair of buddies or an entire class chain, this activity turns shape learning into something creative, tactile, and joyful.

With 13 different shapes included in both colour and black and white, you can choose the version that best suits your classroom needs. Display them with the included banner to create a maths wall that’s as meaningful as it is eye-catching.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name a range of 2D shapes
• ✅ Recognise properties of 2D shapes such as sides and corners
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor skills through cutting, folding, and assembling
• ✅ Collaborate with classmates to build a visual representation of shape understanding

What’s Included:

• 13 2D shape templates in colour and black and white:
• Circle
• Square
• Rectangle
• Triangle
• Pentagon
• Hexagon
• Octagon
• Rhombus
• Oval
• Trapezoid/Trapezium
• Star
• Heart
• Diamond
• Accordion arm templates for hand-holding assembly
• Printable classroom display banner

Materials Needed:

• Printed shape buddy templates (preferably on cardstock)
• Scissors and glue
• Coloured pencils, markers, or crayons (for black and white versions)
• Optional: googly eyes, sequins, glitter, or other decorative craft items

How to Use:

• • Choose the shape templates you’d like students to use and print accordingly
• • Students colour, cut, and assemble their 2D shape buddy
• • Use the accordion arms to connect shape buddies together in pairs or chains
• • Display with the included banner to showcase your students’ shape learning

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Introduce as a culminating activity after teaching shape names and properties
• 💡 Use as part of a maths/art integrated lesson to explore shape and design
• 💡 Create themed displays such as “Our Shape Community” or “Friendly Figures”
• 💡 Pair students to compare the properties of their shape buddies using maths language
• 💡 Extend the task by having students write a short description or dialogue for their shape buddy

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on coloured cardstock for vibrant, display-ready pieces
• 💛 Pre-fold the accordion arms for students needing extra fine motor support
• 💛 Let students choose multiple shapes to create a “buddy group” for diversity and comparison
• 💛 Use the shapes as a springboard for shape sorting or classification games
• 💛 Turn the activity into a display students can build collaboratively over a week or term

2D Shape Buddies Craft is a creative and collaborative way to bring shape learning to life—building confidence in shape recognition while adding a splash of personality to your classroom!