Grade Level

Kindergarten (Aligned with Common Core for Kindergarten Mathematics)

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Unit Overview

Unit Title: Shapes in My World
Lesson Number: 6 of 10
Lesson Title: Sorting Shapes
Big Idea: Shapes can be sorted by attributes.
Essential Question: How can we sort shapes?

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (Kindergarten):

• K.MD.B.3 - Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count.
• K.G.A.3 - Identify shapes as two-dimensional (lying in a plane, "flat") or three-dimensional ("solid").
• K.PAR.6 (Georgia Kindergarten Performance Standards) - Students will sort objects by measurable attributes (color, size, shape).

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Learning Objectives (I Can Statements)

• I can sort shapes based on their color, size, or shape.
• I can explain why I put shapes in certain groups.
• I can use words like big, small, circle, and square to talk about shapes.
• I can participate in a game to practice sorting shapes.

Success Criteria:

• Students successfully sort at least 3 shape groups based on one attribute.
• Students use appropriate shape vocabulary during class discussions.
• Students complete at least one round of the sorting shapes game without errors.

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Key Vocabulary

Content Vocabulary	Language Function	Syntax & Discourse Practice
Shape	Naming and describing objects	"The ___ is ___ (color/size/shape)."
Attribute	Categorizing and comparing	"I sorted these shapes by ___. "
Color	Identifying and naming colors	"This shape is ___. "
Size	Comparing size (big/small)	"The ___ shape is bigger/smaller."
Sorting	Grouping objects	"I put these shapes together because ___."

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Materials & Resources

• Sorting shape mats (large mats with labeled sections for colors, shapes, and sizes)
• Collection of physical shapes in various colors, sizes (circles, squares, triangles, rectangles)
• 'Sorting Shapes' interactive online game (projected for whole class participation)
• Dyslexia-friendly printed shape cards (large font, simplified font style like OpenDyslexic)
• Visual anchor charts with examples of sorting criteria (color, shape, size)
• Whiteboard & markers

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Lesson Structure and Timing

Segment	Time	Description
Introduction	7 minutes	Engage students with question: "How can we sort shapes?" Introduce vocabulary using anchor chart and examples of attributes.
Explicit Teaching	8 minutes	Model sorting shapes using mats visually. Demonstrate sorting by color first, then size, then shape. Use think-alouds to explain reasoning.
Guided Practice	10 minutes	Students work in pairs to sort a mixed set of shapes on mats. Teacher circulates, asking questions to probe understanding. Use “I can” self-assessment checklist here.
Interactive Game	8 minutes	Whole class plays the interactive 'Sorting Shapes' game projected. Students identify sorting rules and apply knowledge.
Independent Practice	8 minutes	Each student sorts their own set of dyslexia-friendly shape cards based on an attribute chosen by the teacher (e.g., by shape), recording answers by drawing or writing labels.
Closure & Assessment	4 minutes	Group share: students explain their sorting groups using vocabulary. Formative assessment through teacher checklist and observing participation. Review "I can" statements and success criteria.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Profile	Strategy
English Language Learners (ELLs)	Use visual aids and modeling, pair with bilingual peers, provide sentence stems for explanations (e.g., “I put the ___ shapes here because …”).
Kinesthetic Learners	Emphasize hands-on sorting during activities, let students move to different mats or areas for sorting to engage whole body learning.
Students with Dyslexia	Provide dyslexia-friendly shape cards and use multisensory instruction (touching shapes while naming), shorter verbal instructions, and frequent comprehension checks.
Advanced Learners	Challenge to sort shapes by two attributes simultaneously (e.g., big red circles vs. small blue circles) or create their own sorting rules and explain them to the class.

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Extension Activities

• Create a shape hunt in the classroom or playground where students find and tally objects matching different shapes and attributes.
• Design a sorting “store” where students “buy” shapes sorted by attributes using play money, reinforcing classification and counting skills.
• Encourage advanced learners to explore 3D shapes and sort using new attributes like “solid” vs. “flat.”

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Tips for Teacher Success

• Use think-aloud techniques throughout to model mathematical reasoning.
• Keep students engaged by incorporating movement and interactive technologies.
• Use frequent formative assessments to guide lesson pacing and provide immediate feedback.
• Reinforce language acquisition by emphasizing the “I can” statements and vocabulary in every segment.
• Validate all students’ contributions to encourage confidence in math and language skills.

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Teacher Reflection Prompt

• Which sorting attributes were easiest and hardest for students to grasp?
• How effective were the visuals and manipulative materials in supporting ELL and dyslexic learners?
• What strategies helped engage kinesthetic and advanced learners?
• How can the interactive online game be integrated creatively with physical activities in future lessons?

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This carefully crafted lesson plan balances rigorous Common Core alignment with strategies specifically designed for diverse learners. It utilizes multiple intelligences and language acquisition supports to ensure all students access foundational math concepts in a joyful, hands-on way!