Use clay as a means of teaching children about three-dimensional shapes. Provide children with clay and instruct them to mold different types of three-dimensional shapes. For example, discuss spheres and show children how to form the clay into spherical balls, or show children examples of cylinders and show them how to manipulate the clay into cylinders. This concrete experience with three-dimensional shapes will help children gain a greater understanding of the formation and names of the shapes.
Teach children about three-dimensional shapes with a sorting activity. Set out different shaped blocks or items that feature three-dimensional shapes, such as boxes and paper towel tubes. Discuss the names of the three-dimensional shapes and then encourage children to sort through the items and place them in piles based on their shape.
Show children how three-dimensional shapes can be found everywhere with this interactive activity. Review the names of different types of three-dimensional shapes: rectangular prisms, spheres and pyramids, for example. After reviewing the names and features of these shapes, encourage children to look around for items that resemble these shapes: ice cream cones, oranges and refrigerators, for instance.
Provide children with a sensory experience to reinforce knowledge of three-dimensional shapes. Set different three-dimensional shaped objects into individual boxes or bags. Instruct children to place their hands into the boxes or bags and encourage them to feel the objects inside. As they feel the items, ask them to apply their knowledge of the formation of three-dimensional shapes to try to determine the shape inside each box or bag.