Compose and Decompose Shapes – Spot the Shapes

Description

Support children’s early maths, counting and shape knowledge with this engaging composing and decomposing shapes activity. Designed for EYFS and Reception children, this resource encourages children to explore how different shapes can be combined to create a larger shape picture, while developing their counting and number skills.

Children are asked to count each of the shapes used to create the shape picture and record the number on the line next to the corresponding shape. This provides a practical opportunity for children to develop their understanding of shape composition, while also practising one-to-one counting, number recognition and recording quantities.

The activity encourages children to look carefully at a completed shape picture and identify the different shapes that have been used. Children can count how many of each shape they can find and record their answers, helping them to develop both their mathematical vocabulary and ability to communicate their findings.

For repeated use, the resource can be laminated, allowing children to complete the activity using a whiteboard pen and revisit it as part of maths provision or continuous provision.

The final page is blank, providing an open-ended opportunity for children to create their own shape picture. Children can draw or make a picture using a range of shapes and then count and record how many of each shape they have used. This encourages children to apply their understanding independently and provides opportunities for creativity alongside mathematical learning.

The activity can be used during an EYFS maths focus group, as part of continuous provision, or for independent maths exploration.

This shape activity is ideal for:

EYFS and Reception children
Composing and decomposing shapes
Counting and number recognition
Shape composition
Shape and space activities
Developing mathematical vocabulary
Recording quantities
Independent maths activities
Continuous provision
Creating and counting shape pictures

A versatile EYFS maths shape activity that combines shape composition, counting and number recording, with an open-ended final activity allowing children to design and count their own shape pictures.