Shapes & colours
First shapes flashcards
Eight clear shape cards to show, name and print, with hidden labels and a simple answer guide for adults.
2–3 · 3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Picture cards · Free printable
More shapes to notice
Add a new shape when the familiar ones feel comfortable. These cards offer six shapes to compare slowly. Trace the outline with a finger, count straight sides where relevant and turn the card to check that a shape keeps its name. Start with one or two cards rather than memorising all six.
Take a little peek6 items · Original illustrations
pentagon
hexagon
octagon
semicircle
rhombus
trapezium
Big clear pictures. Labels you can reveal.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Compare less familiar flat shapes using straight sides, curves and orientation.
A little way to play
- Name one shape and trace its outline with a finger.
- Count its straight sides where that description fits.
- Compare it with a familiar shape, then rotate the card.
Make it easier
Compare a hexagon and a circle, or choose one new shape alongside a known triangle.
Try a little moreSort the cards by number of straight sides, then explain why a semicircle needs a different description.
For the grown-up
Trapezium is the British label used here; American English calls this pictured shape a trapezoid. Definitions vary, so this example deliberately has exactly one pair of parallel sides. A rhombus has four equal sides; a square is a special rhombus.
Answers & naming help
Pentagon: 5 straight sides. Hexagon: 6. Octagon: 8. Semicircle: half a circle, with a curved boundary and a straight diameter. Rhombus: 4 equal sides. This trapezium/trapezoid has 4 sides and exactly one pair of parallel sides.
pentagon · hexagon · octagon · semicircle · rhombus · trapezium / trapezoid
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Helpful parent guides
Keep the discoveries going.
More shapes & colours ↗Shapes & colours
Shape tracing and matching
Trace generous shape outlines, match the names and turn a printed page into a simple shape hunt.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Colour, cut & create
Build a house from shapes
Use one big square, one triangle, one rectangle and two small squares to build a house. Illustrated scene, matching cutouts and an assembly guide in colour or colouring outlines.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity