3d Shapes Craft – Free Printable Apple Tree Project

Children first learn 2d shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles. But after they’ve mastered that, it is time to learn 3d shapes. You can introduce and work on teaching 3d shapes in a variety of ways, but our favorite ways are engaging, hands-on projects. Grab this free printable 3d shapes craft to make practicing math fun for 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade students!

3D Shapes Craft

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity to teach kids about 3D shapes? You’re in the right place! I’ve got an awesome free printable math craft that not only helps kids learn 3D shapes but also keeps them engaged and entertained. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – you will love this tip on how to teach 3d shapes with grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 students. Let’s dive into our fun fall apple tree craft that doubles as a math activity – a 3D shape craft.

We have lots more fun, free shape activities for kids learning 2d and 3d shapes!

3d Shapes Printable

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> ___________<<. The pdf file will open in a new window for you to save your freebie. Now print off  the pages.

Why Teach 3d Shapes

Understanding 3D shapes is a crucial skill for students to develop because it lays the foundation for advanced mathematical concepts and real-world applications. By learning about 3D shapes, students enhance their spatial reasoning abilities and problem-solving skills. It also helps students visualize and comprehend complex structures in geometry and engineering.

Research shows that students who have a strong grasp of 3D shapes are better able to understand and apply mathematical concepts. Additionally, knowledge of 3D shapes is essential in fields such as architecture, product design, and computer graphics.

How to Teach 3d Shapes

First things first, let’s talk about teaching 3D shapes. It’s one of those foundational skills that can be so much fun if approached the right way. When I was teaching my own kids about 3D shapes, I started by showing them real-world objects. For example, I’d point out that a can of soup is a cylinder or that a box of cereal is a rectangular prism. This helps them understand that these shapes aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re all around us!

Interactive learning is key. Kids love hands-on activities, so using physical shapes they can touch and manipulate makes a big difference. You can use blocks, balls, and other toys to help illustrate each shape.

Teaching 3d shapes

Repetition is your friend here. Kids need to see and work with these shapes repeatedly to really grasp them. Incorporate 3D shapes into daily activities.  When you’re setting the table, ask them to find the objects that match certain shapes.

3d shape activity

Now, onto the fun part—our apple tree craft! This activity is perfect for practicing 3D shapes in a fun and engaging way.

What You’ll Need

• Printable apple tree template (we’ll provide this!)
• Printable 3D shape apple card
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Crayons or markers (optional for decorating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Print the Templates: Start by printing out the apple tree template and the 3D shape apple cards. If you don’t have a printer at home, you can easily find one at your local library or print shop.
2. Read the Shapes: Take a moment to read the names of the 3D shapes on the apple tree template. This is a great time to review the shapes with your kids.
3. Find and Match: Have your kids find the corresponding 3D shape apple card. For example, if they see the word “sphere” on the apple tree, they need to find the apple card with the picture of a sphere.
4. Cut and Paste: Once they’ve found the right shape, let them cut out the apple card and glue it onto the matching shape on the tree. This part is always a hit—kids love cutting and gluing!
5. Decorate: If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll want to spend some time decorating their tree. Let them go wild with crayons and markers to make their apple tree unique and colorful.

3d shapes activity

This apple tree craft is a hit for several reasons. First, it combines multiple learning styles—visual (seeing the shapes), kinesthetic (cutting and gluing), and reading (identifying the shape names). This multi-sensory approach helps reinforce the learning.

Plus, it’s a lot of fun! Kids are more likely to remember what they’ve learned when they’re enjoying themselves. I remember doing a similar activity with my kids, and they were so proud of their finished apple trees that they showed them off to everyone who visited our house for weeks.

Teaching 3D shapes doesn’t have to be a chore. With this apple tree craft, you’re turning a potentially dry topic into an engaging and enjoyable experience for your kids. They’ll love the hands-on activity, and you’ll love seeing them learn and grow.