Grade Level

Kindergarten

Duration

60 minutes

Unit

Shapes in My World: 2-D Shapes (Lesson 9 of 10)

Georgia Standards Addressed

• K.GSR.8.4: Use two or more basic shapes to form larger shapes.
• K.PAR.6.1: Create, extend, and describe repeating patterns with numbers and shapes, and explain the rationale for the pattern.

Common Core State Standards Alignment

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.3: Identify shapes as two-dimensional (lying in a plane, “flat”) or three-dimensional (“solid”).
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4: Model with mathematics.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6: Attend to precision.

Learning Objectives

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

• Construct structures using combinations of two-dimensional shapes to create new larger shapes. (Apply)
• Describe and explain their creations using shape names, number of sides, and pattern terms. (Explain)
• Collaborate effectively to present and discuss their group-built structure. (Collaborate & Communicate)

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Essential Question

What can we create with different shapes?

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Materials Needed

• Sets of large foam or paper 2-D shapes (circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, hexagons) for each group of 4-5 students
• Chart paper and markers
• Construction paper, glue sticks, scissors
• Pattern blocks and mats
• Shape building mats printed with outlines for guidance (optional)
• Digital tablet or smartboard for showcasing visual examples and videos
• Timer or clock for activity pacing

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Mode of Learning	Differentiation / Adaptations
0–10 mins	Engage: Story + Shape Review	Read aloud a short story or rhyme involving shapes building a house or a castle (visual + auditory). Briefly review shape names & attributes with flashcards.	Auditory, Visual	Use repetition and realia for ELLs; visuals for all
10–25 mins	Explore: Group Shape Building	In groups of 4-5, students use foam shapes to build a structure (house, garden, robot, etc.). Teacher prompts: “What shapes are you using?” “How many sides?” “Can you combine shapes to make a new shape?”	Kinesthetic, Visual	Provide shape mats and verbal prompts to ELLs and struggling learners; allow advanced students to create complex designs with more shapes
25–35 mins	Explain: Group Presentations + Vocabulary	Each group presents their structure, describing shapes used and how they combined shapes. Teacher models vocabulary like “combine,” “pattern,” “side,” “vertex.”	Oral, Visual	Encourage ELL students to use sentence frames; allow advanced students to explain patterns or symmetry
35–50 mins	Elaborate: Shape Pattern Challenge	Challenge: Using at least two shapes, create a repeating shape pattern on paper or with pattern blocks. Share patterns and rationale. Teacher probes with questions: “What comes next?” “Why did you choose this shape next?”	Kinesthetic, Visual, Auditory	Provide simple pattern templates; extend for advanced learners by adding more shapes or sequencing
50–60 mins	Evaluate: Informal Formative Assessment	Observe and take notes on each group’s presentation and pattern explanation. Use a checklist focusing on: shape identification, use of vocabulary, and ability to combine shapes to build.	Observation	Provide positive feedback tailored to individual progress; additional scaffolding for English Language Learners

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Instructional Strategies & Supports

• Language Acquisition Support:

  • Use clear, simple sentences and repeat key vocabulary
  • Visual aids with shape names and attributes prominently displayed
  • Allow peer support and modeling
  • Sentence frames: “We used ___ shapes.” “My shape has ___ sides.”

• Multiple Intelligences:

  • Visual-spatial: Use shape blocks and mats for hands-on building
  • Kinesthetic: Hands-on shape creation and manipulation
  • Linguistic: Group discussion, presentations, and vocabulary using sentence frames
  • Interpersonal: Group collaboration

• Learning Styles Considered: Visual, auditory, kinesthetic learners engaged through storytelling, hands-on activities, and discussion.

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Assessment

• Type: Informal, formative through observation and group presentations
• Tools: Teacher checklist covering:
  • Identification of shapes used
  • Explanation of attributes (number of sides, vertices)
  • Ability to combine shapes into a larger shape
  • Use of pattern vocabulary in elaboration activity
• Feedback: Immediate verbal feedback and encouragement after presentations.

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Extensions for Advanced Learners

• Challenge students to create more complex structures using 4+ different shapes.
• Encourage use of symmetry or mirror patterns in their designs.
• Pose “What if” questions, e.g., “What happens if you change one shape in your structure?”

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Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

• Provide shape templates and labels for ELLs and students with fine motor challenges.
• Simplify tasks or provide fewer shapes for those who need scaffolding.
• Encourage peer tutoring and cooperative learning to support diverse learners.

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Resources (No hyperlinks included per your request)

1. Shape Story Videos: Short videos or read-alouds involving building shapes (teacher can download or borrow from educational media resources).
2. Printable Shape Mats: Sheets showing outlines for shape combination (teacher-made or sourced from CCSS-aligned kindergarten math resources).
3. Pattern Block Sets: Physical manipulatives for hands-on building.

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Teacher Reflection Prompts for Post-Lesson

• How effectively did students collaborate and explain their structure?
• Did students demonstrate understanding of combining shapes to create new shapes?
• How well did the pattern portion reinforce the concepts of repeating shapes?
• What accommodations provided the most support for ELL and struggling learners?

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Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 10: Shape Treasure Hunt – Students will identify 2-D shapes in the classroom and community, demonstrating understanding of shape attributes and spatial location.