Grade: 3rd Grade

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 25 students

Unit: Shapes in My World (Lesson 7 of 11)

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Alignment:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.1:
Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.2:
Partition shapes into parts with equal areas and express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.

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Learning Objectives – "I can..." Statements

• I can use a ruler to measure the length and width of different shapes accurately.
• I can compare two or more shapes using measurable attributes such as length and area.
• I can explain how shapes are alike and different by comparing their sizes.
• I can share my findings clearly with classmates.

Success Criteria

• I use a ruler correctly to measure shapes to the nearest half or quarter inch.
• I successfully compare sizes of shapes and describe which one is larger or smaller.
• I participate in a group discussion sharing my measurement results.
• I can answer the essential question: How do different shapes compare in size?

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Content Vocabulary

• Measure
• Attribute
• Length
• Width
• Area
• Compare
• Ruler
• Shape

Language Function

• Describe measurable attributes of shapes.
• Use comparative language (longer, shorter, bigger, smaller, equal).
• Explain findings orally and in writing.

Syntax & Discourse

• Sentence frames to support ELLs:
  • "The ___ shape is longer than the ___ shape because ___."
  • "I measured the ___ to be ___ inches."
• Use turn-and-talk strategy for peer-to-peer discussions.
• Visual aids with labels to support vocabulary comprehension.

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Materials & Resources

• Shape cutouts of squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles (varied sizes, 1 per student)
• Rulers marked in inches with halves and quarters
• Individual whiteboards or notebooks
• Markers or pencils
• Chart paper for recording class data
• Dyslexia-friendly printed instructions with clear fonts and spacing
• Audio instructions recorded or read aloud for multi-sensory support
• Timer

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Lesson Layout

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
0-5 minutes	Introduction/Activate Prior Knowledge	Begin with a warm-up discussion: "What ways can we compare shapes?" Chart ideas. Introduce essential question. Use pictures and real shapes. Visual + auditory input.
5-15 minutes	Explicit Teaching & Modeling	Model measuring length and width of shapes using ruler. Demonstrate how to compare sizes (longer, wider, smaller, etc.). Show sentence frames. Check for understanding with quick questions. Use a think-aloud approach.
15-30 minutes	Guided Practice – Measurement Activity	Distribute shapes and rulers. Students measure length & width of their shape and compare with a partner's shape. Use sentence frames. Teacher circulates giving feedback, scaffolding language as needed. ELLs paired with peer buddies or receive simplified support. Dyslexic-friendly reading cards with steps.
30-40 minutes	Independent Practice & Sharing	Students record measurements and comparisons on whiteboards or notebooks. Volunteers share findings with the class using the targeted vocabulary and sentence frames. Encourage varied learners: visual learners can draw shapes, auditory learners explain verbally.
40-45 minutes	Closure and Formative Assessment	Review essential question: "How do different shapes compare in size?" Students state one thing they learned ("I can..."). Exit ticket: one comparative sentence about shapes. Collect for assessment.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For ELLs:
  • Use visuals, realia, and gestures
  • Sentence frames and modeling
  • Peer buddy system
  • Simple, clear language and repeated instructions
• For Students with Dyslexia:
  • Provide dyslexia-friendly print materials with sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial), increased spacing
  • Audio instructions and read-aloud support
  • Allow oral responses or drawing instead of written work when needed
• For Advanced Learners:
  • Extension: Challenge students to estimate area by counting squares on grid paper
  • Compare irregular shapes or multiple shapes' areas
  • Explore perimeter differences and articulate reasoning

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Extension Activities

• Create their own shape with specific length and width measurements and challenge classmates to measure and compare.
• Use geoboards or digital apps to manipulate shape sizes and record measurements.
• Write a short paragraph or storyboard answering: "Why does comparing shapes matter in real life?"

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Notes for Teacher

• Constantly monitor language use and support students who struggle with vocabulary.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
• Encourage students to ask clarifying questions during partner work.
• Use non-threatening assessment during sharing to build confidence.

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This lesson plan merges rigorous math skills aligned to Common Core standards with integrated language support to ensure deep conceptual and language understanding. It embraces multi-sensory learning, peer collaboration, and formative assessment to drive student success with measurable attributes of shapes.