Hexagon Hive Building: Number and Shape Maths Activity for World Bee Day

This collaborative maths game uses the natural tessellation of a beehive to practice early number skills and shape recognition. Children roll a dice, subitise the dots, and count out the corresponding number of hexagons to add to a growing class hive.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Introduce the Hexagon

Show the children a pre-cut paper hexagon. Count the six sides together. Explain that bees are brilliant builders who use this shape to make their honeycombs. "Can you trace the six sides in the air with your finger?"

2. Roll and Subitise

In small groups, invite a child to roll the large foam dice. Encourage them to recognise the number of dots without counting them one-by-one (subitising). "How many dots did you roll? Let's check together!"

3. Count the Cells

Ask the child to carefully count out the matching number of yellow hexagons from a central pile. Emphasise one-to-one correspondence by having them touch each hexagon as they say the number out loud.

4. Build the Hive

Support the child to glue their hexagons onto the large backing paper. Show them how the straight edges can fit snugly against each other to create a tessellating pattern, just like real worker bees.

5. Evaluate and Extend

As the hive grows throughout the session, pause to look at the shape. "Who rolled the biggest number? How many more hexagons do we need to reach the edge of the paper?"

Classroom Adaptations

Large class?

Run this as a continuous provision activity with a designated 'hive builder' adult supporting a few children at a time.

Limited resources?

If cutting hexagons is too time-consuming, use square sticky notes—the counting and matching learning remains the same.

EAL learners?

Provide visual number lines and encourage counting aloud in both English and their home language.

High ability?

Provide two dice so they can practice simple addition before counting out their total number of hexagons.