Show students pictures of flat shapes; a triangle, a circle and a square, for example. Ask students to identify the shapes.
Explain to students that these shapes are called two-dimensional shapes. Explain that two-dimensional means that the shapes are flat. Inform them that these shapes can also be three-dimensional or life-like and that these are called solid shapes.
Show students illustrations of solid shapes; a cone, a cube and sphere, for example. Provide students with the names of each of the solid shapes. Ask students if they can identify what two-dimensional shape each three-dimensional, or solid shape, looks like.
Explain to students that these solid shapes can be found all around us. Offer them examples of items that represent solid shapes -- a can, a ball and a box, for instance. Ask students to name which solid shape each item looks like.
Provide children with paper and pencils with the name of and images that illustrate different solid shapes. Divide the students into pairs and instruct each pair to search for items in the room that resemble solid shapes. Have them write the names of the items that represent solid shapes on their papers. Invite students to share their lists of items.
Draw three columns on a sheet of paper and write ones, tens and hundreds in the bottom of each individual column. Create one place value sheet for each student.
Review place value with your students. For example, say the number 123 and explain which column each digit goes in. Offer different three digit numbers and ask children to identify which column each digit in each of the numbers go in.
Pull three numbers cards from a deck of cards. Tell students the numbers on each of the cards. Ask students to use the numbers on the cards to create a three-digit number.
Ask students to reveal the numbers they have created. Award a point to each student who created the highest possible number. Award prizes to all students for their efforts.