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What makes a shape: 1st grade math

Defining vs. non-defining attributes. A free 1st grade lesson plan, a question set with answers and a printable sheet with its key. Copy it and make it yours.

Lesson plan

Goal

  • Students can do this: defining vs. non-defining attributes.

Teach (10 min)

  • A defining attribute is something every one of that shape has.
  • A triangle has 3 sides. Red is not a defining attribute.
  • Work one example on the board while students say each step aloud, then do one together.

Practise (15 min)

  • Students work the printable sheet in pairs, then alone.
  • Or practise it as a game with no sign-up: https://peabody.kids/math/geom.attrs?lesson=1-geom-attrs-1&at=1

Exit ticket (5 min)

  • Three questions on a slip:
  • 1. Which one tells you a shape is a square? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  • 2. Which one tells you a shape is a rectangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  • 3. Which one tells you a shape is a pentagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.

Question set

10 questions that read in words, easiest first. Questions that need a picture are on the printable sheet below.

  1. Which one tells you a shape is a square? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  2. Which one tells you a shape is a rectangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  3. Which one tells you a shape is a pentagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  4. Which one tells you a shape is a triangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  5. Which one tells you a shape is a square? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  6. Which one tells you a shape is a triangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  7. Which one tells you a shape is a rectangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  8. Which one tells you a shape is a hexagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  9. Which one tells you a shape is a pentagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  10. Which one tells you a shape is a hexagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
Answers
  1. It has 4 sides that are all the same length.
  2. It has 4 sides and 4 square corners.
  3. It has 5 sides.
  4. It has 3 sides.
  5. It has 4 sides that are all the same length.
  6. It has 3 sides.
  7. It has 4 sides and 4 square corners.
  8. It has 6 sides.
  9. It has 5 sides.
  10. It has 6 sides.

Printable sheet

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

What makes a shape (1st grade)

  1. Which one tells you a shape is a pentagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  2. Which one tells you a shape is a rectangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  3. Which one tells you a shape is a hexagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  4. Which one tells you a shape is a triangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  5. Which one tells you a shape is a rectangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  6. Which one tells you a shape is a hexagon? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  7. Which one tells you a shape is a square? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  8. Which one tells you a shape is a rectangle? A shape keeps its name when its color or size changes.
  9. A triangle can be any color or size. How many sides must a triangle have?
  10. A triangle can be any color or size. How many sides must a triangle have?
  11. Which shape has 5 sides? Ignore the colors and sizes.
    ABC
  12. A pentagon can be any color or size. How many sides must a pentagon have?
Key
  1. It has 5 sides.
  2. It has 4 sides and 4 square corners.
  3. It has 6 sides.
  4. It has 3 sides.
  5. It has 4 sides and 4 square corners.
  6. It has 6 sides.
  7. It has 4 sides that are all the same length.
  8. It has 4 sides and 4 square corners.
  9. 3
  10. 3
  11. Picture B
  12. 5

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