EE.4 Describe rectangles, pentagons, and hexagons
Understanding Two-dimentional shapes
Flat shapes are shapes we can draw or see on a flat surface. They do not have depth like solid shapes. In First Grade, we learn to recognize two-dimentional shapes by looking at the number of sides and corners they have. In this topic, we will focus on three shapes: rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon.
- A classroom whiteboard shaped like a rectangle.
- A crossing guard sign shaped like a pentagon.
- A honeycomb cell shaped like a hexagon.
Use real objects for each shape to help students make a clear connection between the name and the shape.
Identifying Shape Features
We can identify a shape by counting its sides and corners. A side is a straight edge, and a corner is where two sides meet. Knowing these features helps us name the shape correctly.
- Rectangle: 4 straight sides, opposite sides are equal, 4 corners.
- Pentagon: 5 straight sides, 5 corners.
- Hexagon: 6 straight sides, 6 corners.
Have students point to each side and corner as they count, saying the number out loud to reinforce learning.
Sorting Shapes
Sorting shapes means putting them into groups based on shared features. This skill helps students notice similarities and differences between shapes.
- Place all rectangles in one group, pentagons in another, and hexagons in another group.
- Sort paper cutouts by the number of corners they have.
- After sorting by shape, try sorting the same shapes by color.
Start with two shapes to compare before adding the third shape to keep the task clear and manageable.
Comparing Shapes
Comparing shapes helps us see how they are alike and how they are different. This builds understanding of each shape’s unique features.
- A pentagon has 1 more side than a rectangle.
- A hexagon has 2 more sides than a pentagon.
- Both a pentagon and a hexagon have more corners than a rectangle.
Encourage students to describe shapes in full sentences, such as “A hexagon has six sides, and a rectangle has four.”
Applying Shape Knowledge
Recognizing and naming shapes helps us describe the world around us. Shape knowledge is useful in art, building, design, and everyday problem-solving.
- Picking a rectangle sheet of paper for a drawing project.
- Spotting a pentagon road sign near a school.
- Noticing a hexagon tile pattern on a kitchen floor.
Have students name shapes they see in the classroom, at home, or outside to strengthen vocabulary and observation skills.
Exploring Shapes in Patterns
Shapes can be repeated to make patterns. Patterns help us predict what comes next and recognize order in designs.
- Rectangle, pentagon, rectangle, pentagon — repeating in the same order.
- Hexagon, hexagon, rectangle — repeating in a sequence.
- Mixing colors and shapes to make a border design.
Let students create shape patterns using colored paper or blocks to reinforce recognition and sequencing skills.