Exploring Shape Properties

Unit: Shapes in My World - 2D Shapes

Grade: Kindergarten

Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 25 students

Lesson: 7 of 10

Standards: Georgia K.GSR.8.3, K.MDR.7.2

Essential Question: What do the sides and corners of shapes tell us?

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:

• Describe the properties of different 2-D shapes, focusing on the number of sides and corners (K.GSR.8.3).
• Classify shapes based on their attributes—sides and corners—and count the number of shapes in each group (K.MDR.7.2).
• Use informal language to analyze and compare different 2-D shapes according to their properties (K.GSR.8.3).

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Common Core Alignment

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of orientation or size.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6: Attend to precision - use precise language when describing shapes.

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Materials and Resources

• Large shape cutouts (triangle, square, rectangle, circle, hexagon)
• Shape properties worksheet (count sides/corners)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual cards with shapes and attributes vocabulary
• Shape sorting bins or baskets
• Playdough or pipe cleaners for shape construction
• "Shape Explorers" song video (audio-visual resource)
• Book: “Shapes, Shapes, Shapes” by Tana Hoban (visual and tactile support)
• Online game suggestion: Shape Matcher (to be projected or used with tablets)
• Language support: Picture-word cards for sides, corners, vertices

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Set the Stage (10 minutes)

• Engage: Play the “Shape Explorers” song video to excite students and activate prior knowledge (Auditory, Visual).
• Question: Introduce the essential question, “What do the sides and corners of shapes tell us?”
• Direct Instruction: Use large cutouts to model shapes and explicitly name each shape, emphasizing sides and corners using fingers and marker dots (Visual, Kinesthetic).
• Vocabulary: Introduce terms “side,” “corner,” and “vertex.” Show picture-word cards to assist ELLs and support all learners (Linguistic, Visual).

2. Interactive Shape Property Exploration (15 minutes)

• Activity: In pairs, students use shape cutouts and count the number of sides and corners aloud together (Auditory, Kinesthetic).
• Teacher circulates and asks guiding questions: “How many sides does your shape have? Are there any shapes with the same number of corners?”
• Use sentence frames for ELLs: “The _____ has ___ sides and ___ corners.”
• Challenge advanced learners by asking, “Can you find a shape with more than 4 sides?”

3. Shape Sorting and Classification (15 minutes)

• Hands-On Task: Students sort shapes into categories based on the number of sides or corners using sorting bins.
• Count how many shapes in each category and arrange categories by size (Numerical order) (K.MDR.7.2).
• Discuss the results as a class; use visual tally marks on the board.
• Provide differentiated support by pairing struggling learners with peers or using visual charts with shape attributes.

4. Shape Construction & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Students create one or two shapes using playdough or pipe cleaners focusing on sides and corners properties (Kinesthetic).
• They describe the shape made to a partner or teacher using sentence frames: “My shape has ___ sides and ___ corners.”
• Provide extension for advanced learners: Make a compound shape using two or more basic shapes and describe it (K.GSR.8.4).

5. Formative Assessment & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Distribute the shape properties worksheet, where students count and trace sides and corners of provided shapes.
• Teacher assesses understanding during this independent practice (Informal/Formative).
• Closing discussion: Revisit essential question, ask volunteers to share what sides and corners tell us about a shape.
• Provide praise and corrective feedback.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual Learners: Use bright, large shape cards and color-coded sides/corners.
• Auditory Learners: Repeat and sing shape properties through songs and chants.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Engage physically by handling shapes and constructing models.
• ELL Support: Use picture-word cards, sentence frames, and gestures; pair with bilingual peers.
• Advanced Learners: Create compound shapes and compare attributes between complex figures.
• Struggling Learners: Work in small groups with hands-on guidance and simplified vocabulary.

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Extensions for Advanced Learners

• Design their own “shape world” combining two or more shapes and present to class describing sides and corners.
• Explore irregular shapes and describe how they differ from regular ones in sides and corners.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation during pair work and sorting activity.
• Worksheet: Counting and identifying sides and corners on different shapes.
• Oral: Student verbal descriptions using sentence frames.

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Reflection & Teacher Notes

Encourage students to use math vocabulary during conversations. Observe if any students struggle with counting sides or corners and plan targeted small group review in the next lesson. Integrate Math Practice standards by highlighting precision in language and perseverance in completing tasks.

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Thank you for engaging in this exciting journey to explore shapes! Keep fostering curiosity and tactile exploration across lessons.