Give five seconds of quiet think-time before any hands go up, then take two or three answers for each picture. Do not confirm the counts yet — that is the work of the next step. Just let the class notice that many-sided shapes turn up in real life.

Take the three in this order, tapping the name each time: hexagon, the honeycomb shape from the hook; pentagon, fewer sides than the hexagon; octagon, the stop-sign shape and the most sides of the three.

Before you tap the last one, ask the class to predict the count from the name.

Say each name slowly and let the class hear the ending.

Try Together: the board numbers each shape's sides on its own — the whole class counts aloud with the numbers as they appear, then everyone names the shape.

• Between shapes keep the class with you: ask a quick question (who can tell me one more side than a pentagon?) or turn-and-name (everyone, what do we call a six-sided shape?).

Save the turned hexagon for last: it sits a different way from the first one, but counting proves it is still a hexagon. Hold out for the count before anyone names it. Revoice a good contribution: so it does not matter which way it is turned — six sides means hexagon.

Count this pentagon — The board numbers each side of this pentagon in turn. Count all the way round with the class as the numbers appear, then name the shape together.

Count this octagon — The board numbers each side of this octagon in turn. Count all the way round with the class as the numbers appear, then name the shape together.

Count this turned hexagon — This hexagon is turned a different way, and the board numbers each side in turn. Count every side with the class as the numbers appear, then name the shape together.

This is the practice round — pupils take turns at the board, check each answer, and the class confirms before moving on. Keep the board work brisk rather than over-explaining.

The turned hexagon is the one that catches people out — a pupil may think the count changed because the shape is facing a different way. Head that off: the number of sides never changes just because a shape is turned. Use the Check button as part of the narration — yes, six sides, that is it.