Describing Shapes

Grade

Kindergarten

Duration

45 minutes

Unit

Shapes in My World (Lesson 2 of 10)

Standards

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math: Kindergarten Geometry

K.G.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.
K.G.4: Analyze and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes, in different sizes and orientations, using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts (e.g., number of sides and vertices/corners).
K.G.5: Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes.

Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) - Math Standards for Kindergarten Geometry

K.GSR.8: Identify and describe shapes (squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, hexagons, cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres) based on the number of sides and vertices.

Lesson Big Idea

Shapes have unique attributes that allow us to describe and differentiate them.

Essential Question

How can we describe shapes?

Learning Objectives (I Can Statements)

I can identify different shapes by their unique attributes, like sides and corners.
I can describe shapes using the number of sides and vertices.
I can compare shapes to one another by discussing what makes them similar or different.

Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

Verbally describe shapes by naming the number of sides and vertices.
Work collaboratively to sort shapes based on these attributes.
Participate in group discussions confidently to share their observations.

Language Function

Describing
Comparing
Discussing attributes

Content Vocabulary

Shape
Side
Vertex (plural: vertices)
Corner
Triangle
Square
Rectangle
Circle

Syntax and Discourse

"This shape has ___ sides and ___ vertices."
"I notice that ___ has more sides than ___."
"The ___ shape and the ___ shape are different because…"

Materials and Resources

Shape attribute chart (large, colorful poster showing shapes with side and vertex counts)
‘Shapes Around Us’ picture book (with clear, vibrant images of real-world shapes)
Sets of cut-out shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles, circles, hexagons) for each group
Sorting trays or mats labeled with side/vertex numbers
Whiteboard and markers
Dyslexia-friendly printed handouts of shape names and attributes using Clearview font or OpenDyslexic font style (large print, high contrast)

Lesson Layout and Instructional Time

Time	Activity	Description & Differentiation Strategies
5 mins	Opening & Motivation	- Read aloud ‘Shapes Around Us’ book with visual cues.
		- Ask: “Can anyone tell me what shapes you see on these pages?”
		Differentiation: Use picture cards to support English Language Learners (ELLs).
10 mins	Explicit Instruction	- Introduce the Shape Attribute Chart. Show sides and vertices visually.
		- Model describing shapes: "This triangle has 3 sides and 3 vertices."
		ELL Supports: Anchor charts with visuals, sentence stems.
15 mins	Guided Practice – Shape Sorting	- Divide into groups of 5. Each group sorts shapes by number of sides/vertices.
		- Circulate and prompt with questions.
	Kinesthetic: Handling real shapes to count sides and vertices.
	Visual & Interpersonal Learning: working in groups.
10 mins	Group Discussion (Formative Assessment)	- Gather class and have groups share their shape descriptions and sorting.
		- Encourage use of descriptive language "This shape has ___ sides and ___ vertices."
	Language Acquisition: Scaffold questioning to help ELLs respond.
5 mins	Closure and Reflection	- Summarize key points about describing shapes.
	- “I can” statements review and review success criteria.
	- Homework: Spot shapes at home and describe them aloud or draw them.

Assessment

Formative assessment: Monitor group discussions and sorting activity, listen for correct use of vocabulary and accurate side/vertex counting.
Use questioning to check understanding during guided practice and group share time.

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Group	Differentiation Strategy
English Language Learners (ELLs)	Use sentence frames, picture cards, and multilingual labels; peer buddy system.
Dyslexic Learners	Provide dyslexia-friendly reading materials; allow oral responses; use multisensory materials (tactile shapes).
Advanced Learners	Extension task: Identify and describe shapes with more sides (hexagon) and explore 3D shapes briefly.
Kinesthetic Learners	Handling physical shapes during sorting; movement-based learning through sorting activity.

Extension Activity

Invite students to go on a “Shape Hunt” around the classroom or school and take pictures/draw shapes they find and describe their attributes in the next lesson.
Create “shape mystery bags” with different shapes inside; students feel and describe the shape without looking, using vocabulary learned.

Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

Were all students able to participate in the group discussions?
Did students use the vocabulary of sides and vertices accurately?
Which differentiation strategies worked best?
What adjustments are needed for future lessons?

By integrating multimodal approaches with scaffolded language support, this lesson empowers all kindergarteners to grasp essential geometric concepts while building their language skills in alignment with CCSS and GSE standards.

Teaching Instructions