Flat shapes are shapes we can draw or see on a flat surface. They do not have depth like solid shapes. In First Grade, we learn to recognize two-dimentional shapes by looking at the number of sides and corners they have. In this topic, we will focus on three shapes: rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon.
Use real objects for each shape to help students make a clear connection between the name and the shape.
We can identify a shape by counting its sides and corners. A side is a straight edge, and a corner is where two sides meet. Knowing these features helps us name the shape correctly.
Have students point to each side and corner as they count, saying the number out loud to reinforce learning.
Sorting shapes means putting them into groups based on shared features. This skill helps students notice similarities and differences between shapes.
Start with two shapes to compare before adding the third shape to keep the task clear and manageable.
Comparing shapes helps us see how they are alike and how they are different. This builds understanding of each shape’s unique features.
Encourage students to describe shapes in full sentences, such as “A hexagon has six sides, and a rectangle has four.”
Recognizing and naming shapes helps us describe the world around us. Shape knowledge is useful in art, building, design, and everyday problem-solving.
Have students name shapes they see in the classroom, at home, or outside to strengthen vocabulary and observation skills.
Shapes can be repeated to make patterns. Patterns help us predict what comes next and recognize order in designs.
Let students create shape patterns using colored paper or blocks to reinforce recognition and sequencing skills.