Locating Shapes

Unit: Shapes in My World

Lesson 4 of 10 | Duration: 45 minutes

Grade: Kindergarten

Subject: Mathematics

---

Common Core State Standard

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.3: Identify shapes as two-dimensional (lying in a plane, “flat”) or three-dimensional (“solid”).
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.5: Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components and drawing shapes.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.6: Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.7: Use positional words (above, below, next to, behind, in front of, etc.) to describe the location of objects.

This lesson aligns especially with:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.7

---

Big Idea

Shapes have positions.

Essential Question

Where is this shape in relation to another shape?

---

Learning Objectives ("I can" statements)

• I can use words like above, below, and next to to describe where shapes are located.
• I can listen carefully to instructions about the location of shapes.
• I can show where a shape is by moving it to the correct position.
• I can explain the position of a shape relative to another shape using correct positional language.

---

Success Criteria

• Students accurately use positional vocabulary to describe two shapes in relation to each other.
• Students demonstrate understanding by placing shapes correctly in the game.
• Students are able to verbally explain the location of a shape using positional words.
• Students actively listen and respond appropriately during the activity.

---

Materials & Resources

• Positional word cards (with words and corresponding simple pictures: above, below, next to)
• Sets of colored shape cutouts (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)
• 'Where is the Shape?' video (visual and audio demonstration of positional words)
• Large whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Dyslexia-friendly printed sheets with shapes and positional words in easy fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic font)
• Audio player for the video
• Seating arrangement allowing space for movement activities

---

Language Support & Differentiation

Differentiation Type	Strategies
English Language Learners (ELL)	Use visuals and gestures; pre-teach positional vocabulary; provide sentence frames (e.g. "The ___ is ___ the ___"); pair with bilingual peer buddy if possible.
Visual Learners	Use clear, colorful visual positional cards; show the positional words video; provide graphic organizers.
Auditory Learners	Repeat instructions; use songs or rhymes with positional words; incorporate listening games.
Kinesthetic Learners	Hands-on positioning game; allow movement to place shapes; role-play with positional commands.
Students with Dyslexia	Provide dyslexia-friendly reading materials; use multi-sensory teaching with audio and visual; avoid overly dense text.
Advanced Learners	Challenge with combinations of positions ("The circle is above and to the left of the triangle"); introduce new positional words like "behind", "in front of".

---

Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary	Language Function	Syntax/Discourse Example
Above	Locate position	"The square is above the circle."
Below	Locate position	"The triangle is below the rectangle."
Next to	Locate position	"The circle is next to the square."
Shape	Noun	"This is a blue shape."
Position / location	Noun	"Tell me the location of the red triangle."

---

Lesson Layout

Time (minutes)	Activity	Description & Teacher Notes
0-5	Engage & Set Purpose	Welcome students; explain Big Idea & Essential Question; introduce positional words with visuals.
5-15	Video & Discussion	Show 'Where is the Shape?' video; pause to discuss examples of above, below, next to; use TPR (Total Physical Response) gestures to model each word.
15-25	Guided Practice: Positioning Cards Activity	In pairs, students place shapes according to teacher commands using positional word cards; teacher circulates to support language acquisition.
25-35	Independent Practice: Positional Shape Game	Formative assessment: students play a game where they move shapes on boards in response to positional instructions given orally; students explain their placement in pairs.
35-40	Extension Activity (Optional for advanced learners)	Challenge with combined positional phrases; e.g. "Place the red triangle above and next to the blue square."
40-45	Closure & Reflection	Review key vocabulary; students share one sentence using a positional word; teacher gives positive feedback; preview next lesson.

---

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Engage & Set Purpose (5 minutes)

• Introduce positional words “above”, “below”, and “next to” using colorful flashcards.
• Ask students questions: “Can you point to the square that is above the circle?” Use real objects or cutouts.

Video & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Show 'Where is the Shape?' video: visuals with narration describing where shapes are located using positional words.
• Pause frequently, ask students to repeat positional words and use gestures ("point above your head for above").
• Check comprehension by having students do TPR movements.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Break class into pairs, distribute shape sets and positioning cards.
• Guide them through simple commands: “Put the circle above the square.”
• Encourage students to say the sentence aloud.
• Circulate to reinforce correct vocabulary and pronunciation.

Independent Practice (10 minutes)

• Students individually listen to instructions and arrange shapes on their boards accordingly.
• After completing placement, partners quiz each other: "Where is your shape?" using the new vocabulary.
• Teacher observes and notes understanding to inform next instruction.

Extension Activity (Optional, 5 minutes)

• Provide more complex positional instructions involving two or more positional words.
• Allow advanced learners to create their own positional sentences for peers to follow.

Closure & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Conduct a quick round-robin where each student shares one positional sentence with the class.
• Recap the essential question and learning objectives.
• Preview next lesson: identifying shapes by attributes.

---

Assessment

Formative Assessment: Through observations during the positional shape game and partner discussions, check if students correctly identify and use positional words to describe locations of shapes. Verbal explanations and game outcomes serve as evidence of understanding.

---

Teacher Tips & Wow Factors

• Use bright, tactile shape manipulatives to engage kinesthetic and visual learners.
• Include a “positional word rap” or song to make vocabulary stick in a fun, memorable way.
• For ELL students, keep sentence frames visible during all activities.
• Use positive praise like "Excellent job explaining 'above'!" to encourage oral participation.
• Consider having students make their own “Positional Word Booklet” as a take-home resource.
• Implement tech by projecting digital shape-position puzzles for group interaction if technology is available.

---

This lesson plan ensures strong alignment with the Common Core standard K.G.B.7, scaffolds language acquisition and engagement for young learners, and adapts lessons for diverse learner needs while offering depth for advanced students.