Maths takes shape We need to be aware of the shapes and spaces all around us. They affect how we dress, arrange the furniture, decorate our homes and build the world around us!
	Orange peel Peel an orange (or a satsuma) then do the following. Divide it into segments. Count the segments. Eat one segment. That's one segment out of how many? Eat half of all the segments. How many segments was that? What other fruits have segments?
	From 3D to 2D Get an empty cereal box (a three-dimensional shape), and carefully take it apart at the seams by undoing the edges. Flatten the box out and see its shape as a two-dimensional shape. This is called a 'net'. Look at the nets of other box shapes.
	Shape of the day Choose a shape that you can look out for when you go to the shops. You might choose triangles, squares, cubes, pyramids and so on. How many shapes can you see in your shopping trolley?
	Imagine this Close your eyes and imagine that in front of you there is a cube. Can you see it in your mind? What shape is one side (or face) of a cube? (It's a square) How many sides (or faces) has it got? Remember to keep your eyes closed! How many corners has it got? How many edges has it got? Seeing the shapes in your head is very important in maths. Try this with other solid shapes.
		Maths take shape
	your child counts : we can all do maths : maths is everywhere : maths at home: maths on time : maths takes shape : maths in play: maths and people maths and money : maths at work : questions parents ask:maths at school:

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