Early Years · First steps

Learning 2D shapes and colours

Young children learn to name flat (2D) shapes and colours and to describe them — for example ‘a triangle has three straight sides’. Describing is more useful than naming alone.

Ages
3–7 (rough guide)
Level
First steps
Subject
Early Years
Time
10 minutes
Format
Online + printable
Try it online Print worksheet & answers Online + Print
  1. 1Learn it
  2. 2See it worked
  3. 3Try it online
  4. 4Print it
  5. 5Check your answer

Before you start

Who it's for and what to know first

Counting to at least 5 helps children count sides and corners.

Learn it

How it works

  • Count the sides: run a finger along each straight edge. Count the corners where two sides meet.
  • Circles have one curved side and no corners.
  • A square has four equal sides; a rectangle has four sides with two long and two short.
  • Turning a shape does not change it — a triangle upside down is still a triangle.
  • Go on a shape and colour hunt around the house: clocks, windows, road signs and fruit.

Worked example 1

Which shape has 3 sides and 3 corners?

  1. Think about each shape. A square has 4 sides. A circle has none.
  2. Draw the shape with 3 straight sides joined at 3 corners.

Answer: A triangle

Try it online · print it · check it

Practice questions

Name the shape or colour. Type your answer, then press Check answers.

Tips

Common mistakes

  • Calling a tilted square a ‘diamond’. It is still a square; ‘diamond’ is an everyday word.
  • Thinking only equal-sided triangles are triangles. Any 3-sided shape counts.

Where next?

Harder / next skillShape and geometry worksheets2D and 3D shapes through primary school.RelatedCounting to 10Counting is more than saying numbers in order.RelatedPencil controlPencil control is the ability to move a pencil where you mean it to go.MoreAll Early Years resourcesShort, playful activities for children aged roughly 3 to 5, before and during their first year of school.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026