Basic three-dimensional shapes for elementary-level activities include cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders, triangular prisms, and rectangular prisms. "3D Concentration" is ideal for learning to identify 3D shapes and their names. Using cardstock, print copies of 3D shapes. Printouts are available for free at illuminations.nctm.org/lessons/iveseen/SeenShape-AS-ShapeCards.pdf. Cut individual cards uniformly, and spread face down on the the table. Children turn two cards over at a time in an attempt to find the matching shapes. Encourage children to talk about attributes and characteristics of the shapes, such as flat, curved, pointy, and six-sided.
You will need sample objects that represent 3D shapes for this activity. Gather them from around the house or make your own using free printouts available at senteacher.org/wk/3dshape.php. Place all the shapes in a pillow case, and blindfold one child at a time. Children take turns reaching into the pillowcase and retrieving one of the shapes. Assign a point value for each attribute named correctly. For instance, if the child correctly names the object and gives the correct number of sides, the child receives two points. If the child can identify the shape by name only, the child receives one point. Set the point limit according to how much time is available for the activity.
While walking or grocery shopping, play "I Spy in 3D." Look for three-dimensional shapes and give clues that reinforce terms for spatial sense. For example, say "I spy a sphere next to the apples," when you have seen an orange in the produce section, or "I spy a 6-sided object below a cylinder" to describe a box of tissue on the shelf below the paper towels. Alternate between naming or describing the shape so the learner can identify the shape by its attributes.
Online 3D activities allow young learners to practice 3D concepts interactively. The popular children's entertainment franchise Nickelodean offers free educational activities and games using popular characters to engage young learners through its subsidiary site nick.com. PBS' educational Web site PBS Kids features more 3D games and activities at pbskids.org.