Shape recognition
K.11 The student will a) identify, describe, and trace plane geometric figures (circle, triangle, square, and rectangle); and b) compare the size (larger, smaller) and shape of plane geometric figures (circle, triangle, square, and rectangle).
UNDERSTANDING THE STANDARD For Teachers
• An important part of the geometry strand in grades K through 2 is the naming and describing of figures. Children move from their own vocabulary and begin to incorporate conventional terminology as the teacher uses geometric terms.
• A plane geometric figure is any plane, closed figure. Circles and polygons are examples of plane geometric figures.
• Presentation of triangles, rectangles, and squares should be made in a variety of spatial orientations so that students do not develop the common misconception that triangles, rectangles, and squares must have one side parallel to the bottom of the page on which they are printed.
• The van Hiele theory of geometric understanding describes how students learn geometry and provides a framework for structuring student experiences that should lead to conceptual growth and understanding.
– Level 0: Pre-recognition. Geometric figures are not recognized. For example, students cannot differentiate between three-sided and four-sided polygons.
– Level 1: Visualization. Geometric figures are recognized as entities, without any awareness of parts of figures or relationships between components of a figure. Students should recognize and name figures and distinguish a given figure from others that look somewhat the same (e.g., “I know it’s a rectangle because it looks like a door, and I knowthat a door is a rectangle.”) – Level 2: Analysis. Properties are perceived, but are isolated and unrelated. Students should recognize and name properties of geometric figures (e.g., “I know it’s a rectangle because it is closed; it has four sides and four right angles.”).
• A polygon is a geometric figure that – has sides that are line segments; – is simple (its sides do not cross); – is closed; and
– is two-dimensional (lies in a plane).
• A triangle is a polygon with three angles and three sides. Children should be shown different types of triangles such as equilateral, isosceles, scalene, right, acute, and obtuse; however, they are not expected to name the various types.
• A quadrilateral is a polygon with four sides. • A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right
angles.
• A square is a rectangle with all four sides of equal length.
• A circle is a closed curve with all points in one plane and the same distance from a fixed point (the center).
• Early experiences with comparing and sorting figures assist students in analyzing the characteristics of plane geometric figures.•Attribute blocks, relational attribute blocks, and tangrams are among the manipulatives that are particularly appropriate for sorting and comparing size.
– Clay, straws, and paper and scissors are several manipulatives that are appropriate for constructing geometric figures.
All Students Should:
Use their knowledge of plane figures to help them systematically represent and describe their world.
Identify the characteristics of plane geometric figures (circle, triangle, square, and rectangle).
Compare the size and shape of plane geometric figures by using strategies to sort and/or group and begin to refine the vocabulary used to explain their strategies.
Teaching the Standard
Books
Icky Bug Shapes. By Jerry Pallota. Illus. by Shennen Bersani. 2004. 32p Scholastic Inc. (9780439389181). Gr. PreK-K. This book is great for engaging even your most unmotivated learner. What kindergartener doesn't love to read about icky bugs, the shapes they encounter in their lives, and the "icky" shapes that create them?
Round is a Mooncake. By Roseanna Thong. Illus. by Grace Lin. 2000. 40p Chronicle Books. (9780811826761). Gr K. Children will enjoy the illustrations while on a journey through a little girls neighborhood as she discovers many different shapes. Many objects they encounter will be of Asian origin, while others are more universal.
When a Line Bends, a Shape Begins. By Rhonda Greene. Illus. by James Kaczman. 2001. 32p. Sandpiper. (9780618152414). Gr. K-1. Great beginning book on shapes. Children are introduced to shapes through pictures and verse, bringing new light into a subject they may have thought nothing about.
Lessons/Activities/Centerwork
Dr. Seuss Booklet: Cat on a Shape. Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss themed materials? Students will enjoy making this booklet to help remember their basic shapes.
Shape Sorting Mat. Have this set out at a station and have students sort attribute blocks. Practices shape recognition and sorting!
Shape Viewers. Templates to make your own shape viewers for class. Students use these to help discover shapes in the real world.
Electronic Resources
I Love Shapes. A slow, but educational shape recognition game for students. I would probably use this one for students who need a little extra practice, but all students could get something from it! Practices shape recognition.
Purpy's Shapes. Students practice shape matching with Purpy. There are multiple stages practicing shape recognition along with child friendly definitions of shapes.
Storyplace Shapes. Children find shapes within pictures in this educational game. Play your way through triangles, circles, and squares.
Assessments
Shape Hunt. Give students these worksheets and have them search the classroom for shapes. Ask students to draw or write down what they find.
Shape Matching. Have students draw lines connecting like shapes.
Touch Shapes. Print out this page and use it for one on one verbal "quizzes" with students. Good for a quick formative assessment.
UNDERSTANDING THE STANDARD For Teachers
• An important part of the geometry strand in grades K through 2 is the naming and describing of figures. Children move from their own vocabulary and begin to incorporate conventional terminology as the teacher uses geometric terms.
• A plane geometric figure is any plane, closed figure. Circles and polygons are examples of plane geometric figures.
• Presentation of triangles, rectangles, and squares should be made in a variety of spatial orientations so that students do not develop the common misconception that triangles, rectangles, and squares must have one side parallel to the bottom of the page on which they are printed.
• The van Hiele theory of geometric understanding describes how students learn geometry and provides a framework for structuring student experiences that should lead to conceptual growth and understanding.
– Level 0: Pre-recognition. Geometric figures are not recognized. For example, students cannot differentiate between three-sided and four-sided polygons.
– Level 1: Visualization. Geometric figures are recognized as entities, without any awareness of parts of figures or relationships between components of a figure. Students should recognize and name figures and distinguish a given figure from others that look somewhat the same (e.g., “I know it’s a rectangle because it looks like a door, and I knowthat a door is a rectangle.”) – Level 2: Analysis. Properties are perceived, but are isolated and unrelated. Students should recognize and name properties of geometric figures (e.g., “I know it’s a rectangle because it is closed; it has four sides and four right angles.”).
• A polygon is a geometric figure that – has sides that are line segments; – is simple (its sides do not cross); – is closed; and
– is two-dimensional (lies in a plane).
• A triangle is a polygon with three angles and three sides. Children should be shown different types of triangles such as equilateral, isosceles, scalene, right, acute, and obtuse; however, they are not expected to name the various types.
• A quadrilateral is a polygon with four sides. • A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right
angles.
• A square is a rectangle with all four sides of equal length.
• A circle is a closed curve with all points in one plane and the same distance from a fixed point (the center).
• Early experiences with comparing and sorting figures assist students in analyzing the characteristics of plane geometric figures.•Attribute blocks, relational attribute blocks, and tangrams are among the manipulatives that are particularly appropriate for sorting and comparing size.
– Clay, straws, and paper and scissors are several manipulatives that are appropriate for constructing geometric figures.
All Students Should:
Use their knowledge of plane figures to help them systematically represent and describe their world.
Identify the characteristics of plane geometric figures (circle, triangle, square, and rectangle).
Compare the size and shape of plane geometric figures by using strategies to sort and/or group and begin to refine the vocabulary used to explain their strategies.
Teaching the Standard
Books
Icky Bug Shapes. By Jerry Pallota. Illus. by Shennen Bersani. 2004. 32p Scholastic Inc. (9780439389181). Gr. PreK-K. This book is great for engaging even your most unmotivated learner. What kindergartener doesn't love to read about icky bugs, the shapes they encounter in their lives, and the "icky" shapes that create them?
Round is a Mooncake. By Roseanna Thong. Illus. by Grace Lin. 2000. 40p Chronicle Books. (9780811826761). Gr K. Children will enjoy the illustrations while on a journey through a little girls neighborhood as she discovers many different shapes. Many objects they encounter will be of Asian origin, while others are more universal.
When a Line Bends, a Shape Begins. By Rhonda Greene. Illus. by James Kaczman. 2001. 32p. Sandpiper. (9780618152414). Gr. K-1. Great beginning book on shapes. Children are introduced to shapes through pictures and verse, bringing new light into a subject they may have thought nothing about.
Lessons/Activities/Centerwork
Dr. Seuss Booklet: Cat on a Shape. Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss themed materials? Students will enjoy making this booklet to help remember their basic shapes.
Shape Sorting Mat. Have this set out at a station and have students sort attribute blocks. Practices shape recognition and sorting!
Shape Viewers. Templates to make your own shape viewers for class. Students use these to help discover shapes in the real world.
Electronic Resources
I Love Shapes. A slow, but educational shape recognition game for students. I would probably use this one for students who need a little extra practice, but all students could get something from it! Practices shape recognition.
Purpy's Shapes. Students practice shape matching with Purpy. There are multiple stages practicing shape recognition along with child friendly definitions of shapes.
Storyplace Shapes. Children find shapes within pictures in this educational game. Play your way through triangles, circles, and squares.
Assessments
Shape Hunt. Give students these worksheets and have them search the classroom for shapes. Ask students to draw or write down what they find.
Shape Matching. Have students draw lines connecting like shapes.
Touch Shapes. Print out this page and use it for one on one verbal "quizzes" with students. Good for a quick formative assessment.