MA 8.04Naming Plane (2D) Shapes in the Environment
The child names circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons, sorts shapes by the number of sides and corners, and finds them in the classroom.
Presentation
- 1
Remind the child of the Geometric Cabinet shapes they already know.
- 2
Hold up a triangle: 'This is a triangle.' Count its sides and corners together: three.
- 3
Do the same with a square, rectangle, circle, and hexagon.
- 4
Three-period lesson with three shapes at a time.
- 5
Turn a triangle upside down and ask what it is: 'Still a triangle.'
- 6
The child sorts the cut-outs into groups by shape and places name cards.
- 7
Shape hunt: find a circle, square, triangle, and rectangle in the room and record them.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Sort shapes by the number of sides.
- Build shapes with sticks or pattern blocks and name them.
- Combine two triangles to make a square or a larger triangle.
Control of error
Counting sides and corners confirms the name; name cards include a drawing of the shape.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names five plane shapes in any size and position
- Counts sides and corners of a shape
- Finds shapes in the environment
Guide note
The Sensorial Geometric Cabinet is the indirect preparation. Children often call a turned square a diamond; show that its sides and corners have not changed.