Comparing Shapes

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 25 students

Unit: Shapes in My World (Lesson 7 of 10)

Standards

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - Mathematics

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2 (Kindergarten Standard, adapted for review): Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.2: Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole. (Note: For 3rd graders, we focus on comparing and describing shapes using attributes.)

Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) - Mathematics

MGSE3.G.1: Understand that shapes in different categories may share attributes and that the shared attributes can define a larger category.
MGSE3.G.2: Partition shapes into parts with equal areas and express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.

For this lesson on comparing shapes, focus primarily on standard MGSE3.G.1, aligning with CCSS by encouraging understanding of attributes, similarities, and differences.

Lesson Title

Comparing Shapes

Big Idea

Shapes can be compared.

Essential Question

How are these shapes alike and different?

Learning Objectives ("I can" statements)

I can identify and describe the attributes of different shapes.
I can compare two shapes and explain how they are alike and different using shape vocabulary.
I can work with my classmates to share observations about shapes.

Success Criteria

I can use words like sides, vertices, angles, and length to describe shapes.
I can contribute to group discussions by sharing observations.
I can complete the shape comparison chart accurately.

Content Vocabulary

Shapes, attributes, sides, vertices (corners), angles, equal, longer, shorter, square, triangle, rectangle, circle

Language Function

Describing and comparing attributes of shapes.
Expressing opinions and observations using shape vocabulary.
Listening and responding during group discussions.

Syntax / Discourse

Using comparative language: "Both shapes have ___ sides, but one is ___."
Sentence starters:
- "This shape has ___ sides."
- "The shapes are alike because ___."
- "The shapes are different because ___."

Materials and Resources

Shape comparison chart (printed and displayed digitally)
“Shapes in Nature” slideshow with vivid photos of natural shapes (flowers, leaves, honeycombs, etc.)
Cut-out shape sets for groups (squares, triangles, rectangles, circles)
Whiteboard and markers
Dyslexia-friendly reading sheets with bold, sans-serif fonts and high-contrast colors for vocabulary cards
Sentence strips for ELL and language support

Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences Considered

Visual: Use of charts and slideshow visuals.
Auditory: Group discussions and sharing observations.
Kinesthetic: Handling and comparing physical shapes.
Interpersonal: Collaborative group work.
Linguistic: Vocabulary focus and sentence structures.

Differentiation Strategies

For ELL Students: Use visual aids and sentence frames. Provide vocabulary previews. Pair with bilingual buddies where possible.
For Dyslexic Students: Dyslexia-friendly materials; allow oral responses. Use multisensory activities (shape manipulation).
For Advanced Learners: Challenge them to compare three shapes and create their own shape comparison charts with additional attributes.
For Students Needing Additional Support: One-on-one or small group guided practice with teacher focusing on key vocabulary and concepts.

Lesson Layout and Instructional Time

Time	Activity	Description	Techniques & Strategies
0 - 5 min	Introduction & Review	- Brief review of basic shapes. Introduce essential question: "How are these shapes alike and different?" - Show the "Shapes in Nature" slideshow focusing on real-world shapes.	Visual (slideshow), Auditory (discussion)
6 - 15 min	Modeling & Guided Practice	- Introduce shape comparison chart. - As a class, compare two shapes on the chart using vocabulary. - Use sentence starters to model speaking.	Visual (chart), Auditory (teacher modeling), Linguistic (sentence frames)
16 - 30 min	Group Activity	- Divide students into groups of 4-5. - Each group gets cut-out shapes. - Students compare two shapes physically and complete the chart. - Encourage using vocabulary in discussions. - Teacher circulates to support and facilitate.	Kinesthetic (manipulatives), Interpersonal (group work), Visual, Auditory
31 - 40 min	Group Sharing & Discussion	- Each group shares findings with class. - Discuss similarities and differences observed. - Prompt use of vocabulary and complete sentence use.	Auditory (discussion), Linguistic (speaking), Social learning
41 - 45 min	Closure & Informal Assessment	- Summarize key points using visual chart. - Pose quick oral questions. - Informally assess participation and understanding through discussion contributions. - Preview next lesson topic.	Reflective listening, formative assessment

Assessment

Informal assessment during group discussions and sharing: Teacher uses a checklist to note use of vocabulary, ability to compare, and participation.
Monitor accuracy and completeness of shape comparison charts.
Observe ability to use comparative language during presentations.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Create a mini “shape museum” by finding and describing real-world objects in the classroom or at home.
Write a short paragraph comparing two shapes, using shape vocabulary and complete sentences.
Introduce concepts of symmetry in shapes and have students find symmetrical shapes among their sets.

Additional Supports for ELL and Diverse Learners

Provide sentence frames on cards during group work.
Allow use of first language for initial concept discussion.
Frequent checks for comprehension and clarification.
Use of multisensory input: touch, sight, and hearing simultaneously.

This detailed plan incorporates language acquisition strategies and ensures all students, including ELLs and learners with dyslexia, can access the content through differentiated support and dyslexia-friendly materials. The variety of activities and learning styles maximizes engagement and understanding of the lesson’s big idea: comparing and describing shapes.

Teaching Instructions