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."