Name shapes
Name at least three shapes.
CLASSROOM PROJECT · EARLY LEARNING · DESIGN
Shape Friends
Turn simple paperboard shapes into a character. Students name familiar shapes, combine them, and create a “friend” they can introduce to the class.
Teacher-prepared materials. Students explore, build, test, and share.
What students will show:
Combine shapes
Use two or more shapes in one character.
Describe position
Use above, below, or beside to describe where a shape is.
See the standards connection in Resources.
BEFORE CLASS
Set the table. Start the thinking.
Materials and preparation for 3 students.
What to put in each kit
| Material | Quantity | Class total |
|---|---|---|
| 18–24 large, teacher-prepared paperboard shapes | 18–24 large, teacher-prepared paperboard shapes | — |
| paperboard bases | 3 paperboard bases | — |
| Masking tape or glue sticks | Masking tape or glue sticks | — |
| crayons | 3 crayons | — |
| shape-recording sheets | 3 shape-recording sheets | — |
Vocabulary: circle, triangle, square, rectangle, above, below, beside.
03 / THE TEACHING FLOW
A clear next step. Every step.
Use the timed sequence below. Make time to test, share, and reset.
Step
Lesson · 35 min 0–7 min
Shape hunt
Teacher says
Students find and name different shapes around the classroom.
Students do
Students find and name different shapes around the classroom.
Look for
Name at least three shapes.
Lesson · 35 min 7–12 min
Wonder together
Teacher says
Combine two shapes and ask, “What could this become?”
Students do
Combine two shapes and ask, “What could this become?”
Look for
Use two or more shapes in one character.
Lesson · 35 min 12–25 min
Make a friend
Teacher says
Students arrange, rearrange, and attach shapes to create a character.
Students do
Students arrange, rearrange, and attach shapes to create a character.
Look for
Use above, below, or beside to describe where a shape is.
Lesson · 35 min 25–32 min
Partner share
Teacher says
Partners introduce their characters and point out the shapes they used.
Students do
Partners introduce their characters and point out the shapes they used.
Look for
Use above, below, or beside to describe where a shape is.
Lesson · 35 min 32–35 min
Record
Teacher says
Students draw or circle two shapes on their recording sheet.
Students do
Students draw or circle two shapes on their recording sheet.
Look for
Use above, below, or beside to describe where a shape is.
STEP TIMER
Design, test, and improve: Before attaching paperboard, students try two different arrangements and choose one. If a part does not match their idea, they move it and try again.
04 / CHECK LEARNING
Notice the evidence. Choose a next move.
<p>Ask each student to name two shapes in the work and describe the position of one paperboard piece. Oral answers, pointing, or drawing are all acceptable.</p>
Assessment evidence
Ask each student to name two shapes in the work and describe the position of one paperboard piece. Oral answers, pointing, or drawing are all acceptable.
| Focus | Observation 1 | Observation 2 | Observation 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Design, test, and improve
Before attaching paperboard, students try two different arrangements and choose one. If a part does not match their idea, they move it and try again. |
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Extension activity
Use the same shapes to make a second character with a different arrangement. |
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Swipe the table sideways to see every trial.
Before attaching paperboard, students try two different arrangements and choose one. If a part does not match their idea, they move it and try again.
05 / RESOURCES
Take the lesson with you.
Printable resources will be added here when the files are available.
CLASSROOM RESOURCES
Suggested printables · Coming soon
Shape cards; character-design planning sheet; teacher observation checklist; take-home “shape hunt” activity sheet
