Grade PreK • Mathematics • Geometry

Grade PreK Mathematics

Geometry

geometry Vocabulary

  • Attributes: a characteristic of an object that students use to define the object (e.g., thin, thick, small, large, 3 sides, 4 sides, etc.)
  • Two-Dimensional: flat figure or shape that has two-dimensions: length and width
  • Circle: a shape this is perfectly round and closed
  • Rectangle: a shape with four straight sides and four right angles; each angle is 90 degrees (right angle); opposite sides are the same length
  • Square: a shape that has four equal, straight sides and four right angles (90 degrees each); a rectangle that has four sides that are the same length
  • Triangle: a shape that has three straight sides that are connected at three angles (vertices); triangles can be different sizes, shapes and orientations
  • Hexagon: a shape with six straight sides; each side is connected at angles
  • Rhombus: a shape that has four, straight sides that are all the same length; the opposite sides are parallel
  • Three-Dimensional: a solid figure (or object) that has three-dimensions: length, width and height
  • Sphere: a shape that is a perfectly round ball
  • Cube: a special type of right prism who faces are all squares
  • Rectangular Prism: a solid with two identical rectangular bases that are polygons (2-D shape with straight sides)
  • Cone: a shape that has a base that is connected to a single point, the vertex, that lies above the base, creating curved sides
  • Cylinder: a shape that has two identical parallel bases that are circles or other shapes, usually curved
  • Whole: all, everything, total amount

geometry Activities 

  • Go on a shape hunt outside. Ask your child to name the shapes that they see in the environment (e.g., rectangle door)
  • Ask your child to identify the shapes of various road signs while traveling in the car.
  • Talk with your child about the various shapes of items packaged in the grocery store.
  • Build with blocks. Discuss what shapes were used to create the structure.
  • Go on a shape hunt in a favorite place. Name at least 3 solid shapes.
  • Look around your home for flat shapes. Draw at least three of the shapes.
  • Look around your home for a specific flat shape (e.g., circles). Count them and record how many you found.
  • Use marshmallows and bendy straws, toothpicks or pipe cleaners to build as many shapes as you can. Record the names of your shapes.
  • Make a picture using 2 circles, 3 triangles, & 1 rectangle. Describe to a friend how you made it.
  • Explore positional words. Use toys to model before, after, above, below, and next to. Describe using attributes such as "the blue car is behind the red car."

geometry Online Activities