Parent Support for K-5 Math

Kindergarten Mathematics

Unit 1: Exploring Attributes of 2D and 3D Shapes

What will your child learn in Unit 1?

In Unit 1, kindergartners will explore the attributes of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes. Students will sort shapes to understand the different attributes. They will explore squares, circles, triangles, hexagons, cubes, cylinders, cones and spheres. Furthermore, they will describe the relative positions of objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind and next to. In addition, they will compose and decompose shapes.

What attributes of shapes will your child need to know in Unit 1?

Students will mostly use informal language to describe the attributes of shapes. The handout below gives an explanation of the different attributes of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes.

How can you support your child at home to reinforce the concepts taught in Unit 1?

There are several ways to have your child practice the math concepts at home. Try the following activities:

• Visit Patch Tool to have your child practice moving and rotating shapes to fit a pattern.
• Visit Shape Tool to have your child compose and decompose shapes.
• Visit Geometric Solids to have your child explore the attributes of 3-dimensional shapes.
• Have your child create 2-dimensional shapes on an interactive geoboard. You can also have your child decompose shapes on the geoboard.
• Go on a shape hunt with your child to identify the different shapes in your house or neighborhood. Ask, “How did you identify the shape?”
• Have your child work on Playdough Shapes to practice creating shapes.
• Have your child work on Sort and Count to practice sorting objects.
• Math Games for Home: Print the handouts to practice concepts through games.