Is It or Not? (Typical)

Learning Objective:

Children look at pictures of shapes and determine whether or not it is a particular shape.

(Adapted from Building Blocks)

Last updated: July 2nd, 2025

Trajectory: 2D Shapes

Level: Shape Recognizer—Typical

Type: Whole Group, Small Group, & Center

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Is It or Not? (Typical)

Learning Objective: Children look at pictures of shapes and determine whether or not it is a particular shape. (Adapted from Building Blocks)

Trajectory: 2D Shapes

Level: Shape Recognizer—Typical

Type: Whole Group, Small Group, & Center

Activity

“We’re going to pretend to be on a game show, like on TV. It’s called [use ‘over the top’ dramatic voice] Is It or Not? I will show you a shape. Then, you will think-pair-share to say if it is a triangle [or whatever shape you are introducing to children] and tell your partner why or why not

Show or draw a typical triangle (equal sides and base horizontal) on the whiteboard and ask, “Is this a triangle? Is it or not?
Ask children to indicate it is (“thumbs up”) or it is not (“thumbs down”) when you give a signal to do so [e.g., “Ready…go!” then gesture quickly].
- “Now, think, pair, share with your partner why it is or is not a true triangle.”
Repeat with some obvious distractors (e.g., circle and square) as well as another typical triangle.
On the same day or a following day, repeat with additional shapes in the same or different sessions (square, circle)

Formative Assessment

For children who need support

Focus on just one typical shape I.e. triangles
Help them trace various shapes, comparing the attributes of that shape to the attribute of shapes that are different.

For children who need a challenge

Challenge them to describe exactly why a triangle is a triangle (or other shape), naming all its attributes. Show shapes that are slightly incorrect and discuss what is wrong with each.

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, or chalk and chalkboard

Remember to use formative assessment to scaffold children's thinking along the developmental progression so that all children have the opportunity to engage with challenging mathematics.

Is It or Not? (Typical)

Objetivo de Aprendizaje: Children look at pictures of shapes and determine whether or not it is a particular shape. (Adapted from Building Blocks)

Trayectoria: Formas 2D

Nivel: Reconocedor de Formas Típicas

Tipo: Grupo Entero, Grupo Pequeño, y Centro

Actividad

Show or draw a typical triangle (equal sides and base horizontal) on the whiteboard and ask, “Is this a triangle? Is it or not?
Ask children to indicate it is (“thumbs up”) or it is not (“thumbs down”) when you give a signal to do so [e.g., “Ready…go!” then gesture quickly].
- “Now, think, pair, share with your partner why it is or is not a true triangle.”
Repeat with some obvious distractors (e.g., circle and square) as well as another typical triangle.
On the same day or a following day, repeat with additional shapes in the same or different sessions (square, circle)

Formative Assessment

For children who need support

Focus on just one typical shape I.e. triangles
Help them trace various shapes, comparing the attributes of that shape to the attribute of shapes that are different.

For children who need a challenge

Challenge them to describe exactly why a triangle is a triangle (or other shape), naming all its attributes. Show shapes that are slightly incorrect and discuss what is wrong with each.

Materiales

Whiteboard and markers, or chalk and chalkboard

Recuerde utilizar la evaluación formativa para apoyar el pensamiento de los niños a lo largo de su desarrollo, de modo que todos tengan la oportunidad de involucrarse con matemáticas desafiantes.