Maths Trumps - 2D Shapes

Learn, revise and have fun

Tarquin designed Maths Trumps – 2D Shapes for teachers, and for parents who want learning to be fun rather than rote. It is beautifully designed and written, and suits children from around 8 years old.

Reprint due early November.

What children learn about 2D shapes

This pack helps students use the mathematical names for common 2D shapes. They also identify other facts about those 2D shapes, such as the number of sides and aspects of symmetry. Identifying these properties of 2D shapes builds precise shape vocabulary.

The shape vocabulary behind 2D shapes

A 2D shape is flat: it has two dimensions, length and width, but no depth. A triangle has 3 straight sides. A quadrilateral is any shape with 4 sides.

A square and a rectangle both have 4 straight sides, and their opposite sides are equal. The difference lies in the square: all four of its sides match. A regular 2D polygon, such as a pentagon, hexagon or octagon, has equal sides and equal angles.

Each corner where two sides meet is a vertex, and counting vertices is a quick way to check a name. A circle has one curved edge and no corners, which makes it a useful contrast in any comparison.

How to play the 2D shapes card game

• Each pack starts with Useful Facts cards
• Players share the game cards out
• Then they try to trump each other
• Players are encouraged to make calculations on paper
• Bonus questions add depth and meaning to topics
• The winner succeeds by collecting all the cards
• See the sample Explanation, Question and Answer card images for more.

In practice, each trump asks players to compare 2D shapes property by property. A rectangle and a square might tie on sides, so the decision moves to symmetry.

Like other card games, the pack is ideal for small groups: a group of students or a family. It also works as a solitaire game for revising or reinforcing. See how here.

"a motivating, educational experience for children to engage in mathematical thinking as well as supporting the development of important positive attitudes and enjoyment of maths." Luke Rolls, Review, Primary Mathematics

"Maths Trumps Cards just received and I am very impressed by the quality of this resource & Paul Hunt is to be congratulated." GB

A natural next step is 3D Shapes, a Maths Trumps card game. Together, the two packs cover 2D and 3D shapes. Read the Chalkdust Review of Maths Trumps Games

Curriculum links for 2D shapes at KS2 and KS3

The topic in this pack meets all the relevant leading objectives in the KS2/KS3 National Curriculum (ages 8–14). The bonus content promotes deeper learning and explores wider concepts. This gives more experienced players exposure to the higher levels of the mathematics curriculum.

The pack is best suited to a Year 4 or Year 5 group that already knows the simple shapes. Younger children can join in with an adult reading the cards aloud. Picture two players turning over a hexagon and an octagon, then counting sides on paper to settle the trump.