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U.2 Identify rectangles, pentagons, and hexagons

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Understanding Flat Shapes

Flat shapes are shapes we can draw on a flat surface and see from one side. In Kindergarten, we learn to identify shapes by looking at their sides and corners. In this topic, we will focus on three shapes: rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon.

Examples of Flat Shapes:
  • A book cover shaped like a rectangle.
  • A school sign shaped like a pentagon.
  • A honeycomb cell shaped like a hexagon.
Teacher Tip

Show real-life items with these shapes to help students connect the names to objects they know.

Identifying Shape Features

We can tell shapes apart by counting their sides and corners. The number of sides and corners is the most important clue when naming a shape.

Shape Features:
  • Rectangle: 4 straight sides, opposite sides are equal, 4 corners.
  • Pentagon: 5 straight sides, 5 corners.
  • Hexagon: 6 straight sides, 6 corners.
Helpful Strategy

Have students trace the sides with their finger while counting each side and corner out loud.

Sorting Shapes

Sorting shapes means putting them into groups based on their features. This helps students see patterns and remember differences.

Sorting Examples:
  • Group all rectangles in one set, pentagons in another, and hexagons in another set.
  • Sort cutout shapes by the number of corners.
  • After sorting by shape, try sorting by color as a secondary step.
Instructional Tip

Begin with two shape types before adding the third to avoid overwhelming students.

Comparing Shapes

Comparing shapes helps us understand how shapes are alike and different. Students learn that some shapes share features, while others have unique characteristics.

Comparing Examples:
  • Both a rectangle and pentagon have straight sides, but a pentagon has more sides.
  • A hexagon has 2 more sides than a pentagon.
  • A rectangle has 4 corners, but a hexagon has 6 corners.
Engagement Tip

Encourage students to use complete sentences, such as “A pentagon has five sides, but a rectangle has four.”

Using Shape Knowledge

Knowing the names and features of shapes helps in solving problems, describing objects, and making things. Shapes are important in art, design, and everyday tasks.

Real-Life Uses of Shapes:
  • Choosing a rectangle paper to make a greeting card.
  • Finding a pentagon road sign while walking to school.
  • Recognizing a hexagon tile on a bathroom floor.
Language Support

Have students point out shapes they see and name them during class activities or on walks.