Shapes Around Us

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 25 Students

Unit: Shapes in My World

Lesson 1 of 11: Introduction to 2-D Shapes

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.G.A.1
Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or sides; identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.G.A.2
Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and count to find the total number of squares.

Georgia Standards (elaboration for 3rd Grade):

• MA3G1 - Students will explore, describe, and analyze attributes and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes.
• ELA Standard ELAGSE3SL1a (for language acquisition integration): Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker.

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Learning Objectives (I Can Statements)

• I can identify and name basic 2-D shapes: circle, square, triangle, and rectangle.
• I can describe the attributes of these shapes, such as the number of sides and corners.
• I can find and name these shapes in my classroom and explain why they are those shapes.

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Success Criteria

• Students correctly name the four target shapes presented visually and verbally.
• Students describe at least one attribute (e.g., number of sides or corners) for each shape.
• Students locate and name at least two of the target shapes found in the classroom during the scavenger hunt activity.

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Content Vocabulary

• Shape
• Circle
• Square
• Triangle
• Rectangle
• Side
• Corner (Vertex)
• Attribute

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Language Function

• Describe
• Identify
• Compare
• Explain

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Syntax and Discourse

• Using descriptive sentences: “A rectangle has 4 sides and 4 corners.”
• Asking and answering questions: “What shape is this?” “How many sides does a square have?”
• Using sentence frames to support English Language Learners (ELLs):
  “This shape is a ___.”
  “It has ___ sides and ___ corners.”

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Materials and Resources

• Large visual posters of circle, square, triangle, and rectangle with labels and simple attributes listed
• Individual shape cutouts for each student (colorful, dyslexia-friendly font on labels)
• Clipboards, pencils, and a simple scavenger hunt worksheet with pictures and boxes to check off found shapes
• Real classroom objects representing these shapes (e.g., clock (circle), whiteboard (rectangle), window (square))
• Audio recordings naming and describing each shape for auditory learners
• Dyslexia-friendly reading passage related to shapes (simple font, high contrast)

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Instructional Layout

Time	Activity	Approach & Differentiation
5 min	Introduction & Objective Setting	- Briefly describe today’s focus. - Use “I can...” statements on board. - Show posters and play audio naming shapes. ELL/dyslexia: Repeat with visual and auditory cues; use sentence frames.
10 min	Direct Instruction with Modeling	- Teacher models identifying shapes by attributes. - Use think-aloud approach describing sides and corners. - Have students repeat key phrases aloud. Multi-sensory: Touch and trace each shape cutout.
15 min	Shape Scavenger Hunt (Guided Practice)	- In pairs, students find shapes in classroom. - Use checklist worksheet. - Teacher circulates to support, provide sentence frames. Differentiation: Pair ELL/dyslexia students with peer buddy. Kinesthetic learners: physical movement enhances engagement.
10 min	Independent Practice	- Students choose 2 found shapes and write/descriptively say attributes using sentence frames. - Use graphic organizer for students who struggle. - Advanced learners write a short shape poem or riddle describing one shape without naming it.
5 min	Closure and Review	- Class shares favorite shape found. - Teacher reviews “I can…” statements. - Quick formative check: Thumbs up if “I can name shapes,” thumbs sideways if “I’m still learning,” thumbs down if “I’m not sure yet.”

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategies Applied
English Language Learners (ELLs)	Use sentence frames, visual and audio supports, peer buddy system, extra wait time for verbal responses.
Students with Dyslexia	Dyslexia-friendly materials (font, color contrast), multi-sensory learning (touch tracing), audio recordings, simplified text passage.
Kinesthetic Learners	Shape scavenger hunt is a physical, movement-based activity.
Advanced Learners	Shape poetry and riddles, prompting deeper attribute analysis (e.g., compare squares and rectangles).

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Extension Activities (Optional)

• Shape Art Project: Create a collage using cut-out shapes found in the classroom.
• Interactive Digital Game: Online shape identification games tailored for 2-D shapes.
• Shape Story Writing: Write a short story using shapes as characters (integrates literacy).

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Assessment

• Formative: Observations during scavenger hunt and independent writing/speaking task.
• Exit Ticket: Students name and describe one shape using a sentence frame before leaving.

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Notes on Language Acquisition and Multiple Intelligences

• Visual: Posters, shape cutouts, graphic organizers.
• Auditory: Audio naming shapes and descriptive sentences.
• Kinesthetic: Movement-based scavenger hunt, tracing shapes.
• Interpersonal: Peer collaboration during scavenger hunt.
• Linguistic: Sentence frames for speaking/writing.
• Logical-Mathematical: Attribute discussion, counting sides and corners.

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This engaging and multisensory lesson ensures 3rd graders will build foundational geometry vocabulary and skills within their own environment—all while addressing diverse learning needs and strictly aligning with Common Core standards.