2D Shapes

Children learn to match, name, describe, represent, construct, and classify two-dimensional ("flat") geometric shapes, increasingly using mathematical properties of the shapes.

See the document "2D Shape Descriptions" in the Resources tab, then select "For Teachers."

Practice-based Research: They learn to compare and classify shapes. For example, to determine if two shapes are exactly the same (or congruent--same size and same shape) you can superimpose them (lay one on top of the other to see if they match exactly. 

Another way shapes can be "the same" is to be in the same shape category with the same attributes, such as triangles—closed shapes with three straight sides.

You may see this:

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Levels

  1. "Same Thing" Comparer: Foundations
  2. Shape Matcher—Identical, Orientations, & Sizes
  3. Shape Recognizer—Typical
  4. Shape Matcher—More Shapes, Sizes & Orientations, Combinations
  5. Shape Recognizer—Circles, Squares, and Triangles
  6. Constructor of Shapes from Parts—Looks Like
  7. Shape Recognizer—All Rectangles
  8. Side Recognizer
  9. Most Attributes Comparer
  10. Corner (Angle) Recognizer
  11. Shape Recognizer—More Shapes
  12. Shape Identifier
  13. Angle Recognizer—More Contexts
  14. Parts of Shapes Identifier
  15. Congruence Superposer
  16. Constructor of Shapes from Parts-Exact
  17. Angle Representer
  18. Congruence Representer
  19. Shape Class Identifier
  20. Shape Property Identifier
  21. Property Class Identifier
  22. Angle Synthesizer

Inclusive Teaching Approaches

As we continue to add to and improve the website, we consider a Universal Design to Learning (UDL) approach to make activities as broadly accessible as possible.
When we have specific ideas for additions to activities that would make that learning activity more accessible, we add those into a section on "adaptations" within activities.
Remember! The learning goal remains the same for all children. The adaptations are only added to ensure a larger group of children will be able to engage in the learning.
Learn more from our partners at STEMIE at https://stemielearningtrajectories.fpg.unc.edu. 

Special Thanks To

Institute of Education Sciences
Bill & Melinda Gates foundation
Heising Simons foundation
The research reported here was supported by the above funding agencies.
Any opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the agencies.