Kindergarten Identify and Describe Two-Dimensional Shapes

Hillsborough County Public Schools
Elementary Mathematics Parent Connection
Kindergarten – Unit 5: Identify and Describe Two-Dimensional Shapes
In this unit your child will work to build an understanding of the following:
 Attributes of a Polygon.
 Distinguish between Polygons and shapes that are not polygons.
 Count the sides and vertices of a polygon.
 Identify and describe: triangles, quadrilaterals, trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons and octagons.
 Combine shapes to make a new shape.
 Create polygons using a variety of tools.
 Identify shapes in the real world.
Polygons
Counting Sides and Vertices to
Name Polygons
Non-polygons
Your child can number the sides and vertices to help
them determine the name of the polygon.
Triangle: Polygon with 3 sides, 3 vertices
Quadrilateral: Polygon with 4 sides, 4 vertices
Pentagon: Polygon with 5 sides, 5 vertices
Hexagon: Polygon with 6 sides, 6 vertices
Octagon: Polygon with 8 sides, 8 vertices
Helpful Links for Unit 5:

Polygons are plane shapes made up of line segments that
connect at the vertices’.
Sample tasks your child should be able to work through by
the end of the unit:
 Identify shapes that are polygons and shapes that are
not polygons.
 Count the number of sides and vertices on a polygon.
 Name polygons based on number of sides and vertices.
 Combine shapes to make a new shape and then name
the new shape based on sides and vertices.
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http://goo.gl/VCaSC – Virtual Geoboard use elastics
to create shapes on geoboards
http://goo.gl/VCaSC - Circular Virtual Geoboards geoboards, sticks, straws, string, clay, marshmallows,
pretzels rods, gumdrops, string and chalk to create
circles
http://goo.gl/MC32lg - Virtual pattern blocks manipulatives to arrange and put together shapes
http://goo.gl/OlXxoV -Virtual power polygons - using
pattern blocks and shapes to create larger/different
shapes.
Purposeful Practice at Home:
 Use toothpicks, cotton swabs, pretzel sticks etc. to make a variety of polygons. Give clues such as “This polygon has 3
sides and 3 vertices.” Your child will then create the polygon with their materials and name the shape.
 Take your child on a Polygon scavenger hunt. Identify different polygons in real life. Rectangles (cabinet doors, wood
planks on the floor), squares (tiles on the floor), octagons (stop signs) etc.
 Practice drawing polygons, number the sides and vertices and have your child describe shape based on the number of
sides and vertices.