Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Pirate Shape Code Chest: Free Printable Worksheet for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Pirate Shape Code Chest is a free printable maths worksheet for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children use a simple key to turn each shape into a number, then write the numbers on the lines. They also work the other way, drawing shapes from a row of numbers to open the chest. Page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch task and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children begin with a small key at the top of the page. It shows which number each shape stands for. Below it are rows of shapes with a line for each one. Children look at a shape, find it in the key and write its number. There is also a task that goes the other way. Children read a row of numbers and draw the matching shapes to open the chest.
- ● = 1
- ■ = 2
- ▲ = 3
- ▲ ■ ●
- ● ● ▲
- ■ ▲ ■
- Open the chest! Draw the shapes for 3 1 2
Try a different code
Key: ★ = 4 and ♥ = 5. Turn the row ♥ ★ ♥ into numbers.
This uses a different key and different shapes from the sheet. It only shows ways of working.
Method 1: point and say- Point to the first shape, ♥. Find it in the key.
- Say "heart means five" and write 5 on the line.
- Move to the next shape and do the same until every line has a number.
- Cover every shape in the row except the first with a small piece of paper.
- Slide a finger along the key to find the shape, then write its number.
- Slide the paper along to show the next shape and repeat.
Ways to build on the activity
Make a shape key
Draw a key of your own on plain paper. Pick three shapes and give each a number. Keep it beside you when you play.
Use real objects
Lay out a coaster, a book and a slice of cardboard cut by an adult. Name the shape of each one and give it a number.
Code a treasure map
Draw a simple pirate map. Mark each stop with a shape and ask your child to say the number for each one.
Swap roles
Let your child write a row of numbers. You draw the shapes from the key. Then swap and check each other's work.
Why use codes with shapes?
A code is a way of using one thing to stand for another. In this sheet a shape stands for a number. Young children meet this idea in everyday life, such as a symbol on a door or a picture on a button. Learning to follow a key helps them see that marks on a page carry meaning, which is a useful step towards reading and writing numbers.
Pirates and hidden treasure give children a reason to care about getting the code right. Each correct match brings the chest a little closer to opening. The task also asks children to look carefully at shapes, name them and link them to numbers. That joins shape work and number work in one short, calm activity.
Shape and code facts for children
- A circle is round. It has no corners and no straight sides.
- A square has four straight sides that are all the same length.
- A shape stays the same shape when you turn it round or move it.
- A code uses one thing to stand for another, like a shape that stands for a number.
- In a code, the key tells you what each symbol means.
Skills and curriculum link
- Naming shapes
- Matching shapes to numbers
- Following a key
- Looking carefully
- Writing numerals
- Reading numbers to draw shapes
Helpful ideas for grown ups
- Say it aloudName the shape, then say its number, before your child writes anything. Hearing both together helps the link to stick.
- Keep the key closeLet your child touch the key as they work. Checking the key is part of the skill, not a sign they are stuck.
- Shapes firstIf your child is unsure of the shape names, spend a minute naming them before you start. Use things around the room.
- Praise the thinkingNotice how carefully your child looks and checks. Ask how they knew, rather than only saying right or wrong.
Key words
- CodeA secret way of showing something using symbols.
- KeyThe box that shows which shape matches which number.
- ShapeThe outline of something, such as round or with straight sides.
- CircleA round shape with no corners.
- SquareA shape with four straight sides that are all the same length.
- TriangleA shape with three straight sides and three corners.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Read the key aloud together. Point to each shape, name it, then say its number.
- Do the first row together. Let your child find each shape in the key before they write the number.
- Try the draw the shapes task. Ask your child to read each number and find its shape in the key.
- Check against page 2. Come back another day and try again, because repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Cover all but one shape at a time with a small piece of paper. Let your child touch the shape and then touch the matching shape in the key. Say the number together before they write it. Do one row, then take a short break.
To stretch confident children
Ask your child to invent a new code with three shapes of their own. They choose a number for each shape, write a row of shapes and set it as a puzzle for a grown up to solve. Then swap places.
Make it a game
Hide a small treasure box. Give your child a row of shapes as the clue and the key to read it. When they have turned the shapes into numbers, they can say the numbers aloud to the grown up to find the treasure.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child writes a number from guessing or counting sides instead of reading the key.
Try thisRemind them the key decides the number. Point to the shape in the key, then to the number beside it, and say both aloud.
Watch forA child skips a shape or loses their place in a row.
Try thisSlide a finger or a ruler under each row from left to right. Cover the other rows so only one is showing.
Watch forA child mixes up squares and triangles when drawing.
Try thisTrace round each shape in the key with a finger. Talk about the sides and corners, then draw one slowly together.
Talk about it
- Which shape do you think is the easiest to draw? Why?
- How did you know which number to write?
- What would you pick as a secret code for your own treasure chest?
- Can you find a circle, a square or a triangle in this room?
- What could we hide in a treasure chest?
- If we changed the key, what would happen to the numbers?
Take it off the page
Shape hunt
Walk round the house or garden and look for circles, squares and triangles. Name each one and say how you know.
Chalk code
Draw a big shape key on the ground with chalk. Make a row of shapes and let a friend walk along it, saying each number.
Treasure map
Draw a pirate map with a shape at each stop. Give each shape a number from your own key and plan a route.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first row, then let them lead. Read the key aloud and keep things light. Stop when they tire and return another day.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task or a table activity. It needs only printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with shape hunts and counting games. You can print it again for brothers and sisters or to revisit later.
Where this fits in your child's learning
Before this sheet, children usually enjoy naming simple shapes and counting small amounts. They have often seen that a number can be shown with objects, fingers or marks. Spotting shapes around the home helps too.
After this sheet, children can try longer codes, codes with more shapes or codes where they add the numbers up. They can also sort shapes in different ways and describe them using words like sides and corners. All of this supports early number and shape work in Reception.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Pirate Shape Code Chest for?
It is written for Reception, which means children aged 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children can try it with plenty of help, and older children can use the stretch idea on page 2.
- What will children practise?
Children practise naming shapes, matching each shape to a number and following a simple code key. They also practise writing numbers and drawing shapes from numbers, which keeps the work playful and varied.
- Are the answers included?
Yes. Page 2 is for the grown up and includes the answers. It also has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea.
- What if my child finds it too hard?
Cover all but one shape at a time and let your child touch the shape and the matching one in the key. Say the number aloud together before they write it. Do a little at a time.
- Is it free to use?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another group, and use black and white if you prefer.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Children read, think and write by hand, with no device needed.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 helps you support and stretch different children.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.