Shape Explorers Start

Grade

3rd Grade

Unit

Shape Explorers: 2-D Shapes

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Lesson 1: Identifying 2-D Shapes

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Standards Alignment

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. For example, all rectangles have four right angles and squares are rectangles.
MGSE3.G.2: Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.

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Learning Objectives with "I Can" Statements

• I can identify and name basic 2-D shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle.
• I can describe defining attributes of each shape.
• I can recognize 2-D shapes in stories and real life.

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Success Criteria

• Correctly identify and name at least 4 basic 2-D shapes with 90% accuracy on the formative worksheet.
• Verbally describe key attributes of the shapes during class discussions.
• Participate actively in the shape storybook activity by answering questions and pointing out shapes.

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Content Vocabulary

• Circle
• Square
• Triangle
• Rectangle
• Side
• Corner (or Vertex)

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Language Functions

• Naming and describing shapes
• Comparing attributes (number of sides, corners)
• Listening and responding to questions about shapes in a story

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Syntax and Discourse

• "A ___ has ___ sides and ___ corners."
• "I see a ___ in the story."
• "This shape is called a ___."

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Materials and Resources

• Shape flashcards (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)
• The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl (dyslexia-friendly version available with larger font and clearer spacing)
• Shape storybook created for this lesson integrating shapes found in illustrations or simplified story excerpts.
• Shape identification worksheet for formative assessment (includes pictures and names to match).
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual aids/posters showing shapes and their attributes

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Lesson Layout and Instructional Time (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation Strategies
10 minutes	Warm-up & Introduction	Begin with an interactive discussion: "What shapes do you know?" Use shape flashcards to introduce circle, square, triangle, rectangle visually. Use "I can" statements to set goals. Introduce key vocabulary.	Visual learners: shape flashcards, posters. ELL: visual cues and sentence starters.
15 minutes	Read-Aloud and Shape Story	Read selected excerpts from The Big Friendly Giant. Pause to point out shapes within illustrations/map out shapes as you go. Use guided questions: “Can you find the triangle in this picture?”	Dyslexic students: Use dyslexia-friendly text, auditory supports. All Students: multi-sensory (listen + see shapes)
15 minutes	Guided Practice: Shape Identification	Using flashcards and class discussion, students describe attributes of each shape (e.g. "How many corners does the square have?"). Students come up to the board and match shapes to names.	Kinesthetic learners: physically matching cards. ELL/support: sentence frames: "This shape is a ___ because it has ___ sides."
15 minutes	Independent Practice: Worksheet	Students complete a shape identification worksheet where they match pictures of shapes to the correct name. Teacher circulates to provide support and feedback.	For advanced learners: extension prompts on the worksheet ask for students to find shapes in the classroom and describe them. For ELL: provide bilingual word banks.
5 minutes	Closure and Review	Recap learning objectives using "I can" statements. Quick oral quiz: “Show me the rectangle!” Students hold up flashcards. Preview next lesson topic in the unit.	All students verbalize one thing they learned.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual learners: Use of colorful flashcards, posters, and storybook images.
• Auditory learners: Group discussions, read-aloud with emphasis on shapes.
• Kinesthetic learners: Matching games, students physically moving to the board.
• ELL students: Sentence frames, bilingual vocabulary charts, gestures, and step-by-step instructions.
• Students with dyslexia: Dyslexia-friendly storybook, use of audiobooks, and coloring activities to reinforce shape recognition.
• Advanced learners: Extension activity to find and classify shapes in their environment and present findings to the class.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Create a "Shape Hunt" worksheet where students seek out specific shapes around the classroom or home and take photos or draw them.
• Introduce composite shapes (e.g., a house made of rectangles and triangles) and ask students to name the individual shapes.
• Encourage students to write a short story or poem featuring their favorite shape.

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Notes for Teachers

• Emphasize the connection between shapes and the story to make learning contextual and immersive.
• Use frequent formative checks with thumbs up/down or exit tickets for engagement and understanding.
• Group activities can help ELL and struggling students feel supported and build language through social interaction.
• Consider incorporating technology by using shape apps or interactive whiteboard games if available.

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This lesson begins the exploration of 2-D shapes by grounding lessons in both language arts and math standards with a strong visual and narrative context, supporting all learners' comprehension and participation.