3D Shapes

Children learn about 3D shapes - starting with common object names such as "ball" and later understanding mathematical terms such as "sphere." Three-dimensional shape understanding also includes distinguishing between the faces of an object (rectangle) from the object as a whole (rectangular prism).

See the document "3D Shape Descriptions" in the Resources tab, then select "For Teachers."

You may see this:

Linked Image to Sign In/Sign Up Page

Levels

  1. 3D Perceiver: Foundations
  2. 3D Prototype Recognizer
  3. 3D Shape Recognizer
  4. 3D Face Counter
  5. 3D Constructor of Shapes from Parts
  6. 3D Shape Identifier
  7. 3D Shape Class Identifier

Inclusive Teaching Approaches

We are working with our partners at the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMI2E2) Center to improve engagement opportunities for young children with disabilities (O-5). 

Accessibility for Diverse Educators

  • Almost all of the videos on our website have closed captions in English and Spanish for the deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Most of our videos can also be accessed with a voiceover describing the scene for those with vision impairments. Click on the Accessibility toggle in the bottom right corner.

Accessibility for Children

Learn how to incorperate 3D Shapes across the whole day in Routines, and find accomodations for diverse learners in all levels of 3D Shapes in Teaching Strategies. 

We have also created new activities or updated previous activities with new features that support engagement for all children. Features of the activities include intentionally inclusive design, accommodations for specific disabilities, questions for caregiver and early interventionist reflection on development, and ideas for learning in everyday routines. We have started by developing activities for infants and toddlers, with plans to add more at the older levels in the future. New inclusive activities for Counting are linked below (and also embedded in the site, at their respective trajectory level).

Level: 3D Perceiver: Foundations

Level: 3D Prototype Recognizer

In addition to taking a universal design approach - providing multiple ways for children to engage - we offer specific accommodations in the areas of gross motor, fine motor, social emotional, cognitive, and language development, such as this social story example.

General accommodation recommendations can be accessed in our Inclusion resources, linked here.

Read more about the STEMIIEE center here at their website

Special Thanks To

Institute of Education Sciences
The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through grant numbers R305K050157, R305A120813, R305A110188, and R305A150243. to the University of Denver. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.
Bill & Melinda Gates foundation
Heising Simons foundation