73A
Shape Puzzles
Mathematical Practices
SMP1, SMP2, SMP3, SMP7
Content Standards
K.CC.6, K.G.1, K.G.2, K.G.6
Objective
To provide experiences with manipulating and
combining shapes.
Whole Group
Small Group
Key Concepts and Skills
• Explore shapes in different orientations. [Geometry Goal 1]
• Combine simple shapes to form other shapes and pictures. [Geometry Goal 1]
• Describe the relative positions of shapes. [Geometry Goal 1]
Terms to Use shape, triangle, square, rectangle, above, below, next to, rotate
Materials Teaching Masters (Math Masters, pp. 5A–5D)
A
Partners
Center
Planning Tip Copy and cut
apart one set of shape cards from
Math Masters, page 5A for each
child. If possible, laminate or use
cardstock for durability. Also make
several sets of the Shape-Card
Puzzles (Math Masters, pages
5B–5D) for the Math Center.
Core Activities
► Combining and Creating Shapes
Name
(Math Masters, pp. 5A–5D)
1 15
Date
Shape Cards
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
Give each child one set of shape cards (Math Masters, page 5A). Introduce the shapes
and have children find and hold up the shapes that match. For example, This is a small
triangle. Can you find a small triangle? Tell children that they can rotate and combine
the shapes in different ways. Hold two small triangles together so they form a larger
triangle and say: What happens if I put two small triangles together this way? Then
change the position of the two triangles so they form a square and say: Now what shape
did I make from the two small triangles? Hold up two large rectangles and say: What
shape can I make with these rectangles if I put them next to each other? What shape can
I make if I place one above the other? Model various combinations and have children do
the same with their own shapes. Next, provide children time to explore and combine the
shapes in their sets to make new shapes. As children work, invite them to share their
discoveries and describe their combinations using shape and position words. Help
children recognize when they have combined two smaller shapes to make a larger
square, triangle, or rectangle.
ACTIVITY
5A
Math Masters, p. 5A
EM3MM_GK_Section_1.indd 5A
11/23/10 2:06 PM
Pose new questions or challenges, such as: Can you make a rectangle using squares?
Can you find another way to make a rectangle? Put several sets of shape cards in the
Math Center for children to continue to explore. You may also want to include the
Shape-Card Puzzles on Math Masters, pages 5B–5D. For additional challenge, make
some copies of the puzzles eliminating the interior lines.
► Comparing Numbers (Revisit Activity 1 5, p. 54)
Use the number-collection bags that children created in Activity 1-5 to compare numbers
and sets. Have children choose two number-collection bags and line up the objects from
each bag next to one another, counting each set out loud as they line them up. Help them
use a matching strategy to figure out which bag has more and which has fewer objects.
Encourage children to share their own comparison strategies.
B
NOTE Help children recognize
that the shapes do not change
when you rotate them or put them
in different positions. Also keep in
mind that some children may still
be learning to name and
differentiate some shapes. To
assist these children, be sure to
show, in addition to name, shapes
throughout this activity. Children
will explore specific attributes of
shapes in later activities.
Teaching Options
EXTRA PRACTICE
► Doing Pattern-Block Puzzles
Name
(Math Masters, pp. 5E–5H)
ACTIVITY
1 15
Date
Pattern-Block Puzzles 2
ART CONNECTION
► Making Shape Pictures and Puzzles
(Math Masters, p. 5A)
Invite interested children to trace around the shape cards to create their own shape
pictures and puzzles. They can color or decorate their work and have other children try
to use the cards to fill in the shapes and designs. Children who have difficulty tracing
might glue shape cards on paper to record their pictures.
73B
Activity 1 15 Shape Puzzles
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
Encourage children to explore ways to combine pattern blocks to make new shapes and
pictures. As a starting point, you may wish to provide the Pattern-Block Puzzles on Math
Masters, pages 5E–5H (or similar templates). Some children might enjoy making their own
puzzles for others to fill in with pattern blocks. They may need assistance tracing around
the pattern blocks (or using the pattern-block template) to record outlines of the shapes and
pictures they create.
5F
Math Masters, p. 5F
EM3MM_GK_Section_1.indd 5F
11/23/10 2:06 PM
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
5A
Shape Cards
ACTIVITY
1 15
Date
Name
Name
ACTIVITY
1 15
Shape - Card Puzzles 1
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
Date
5B
Name
ACTIVITY
PROJECT
1 015
Date
Shape - Card Puzzles 2
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
5C
Name
ACTIVITY
1 15
Shape - Card Puzzles 3
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
Date
5D
Name
ACTIVITY
1 15
Date
Pattern-Block Puzzles 1
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
5E
Name
ACTIVITY
1 15
Pattern-Block Puzzles 2
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
Date
5F
Name
ACTIVITY
1 15
Date
Pattern-Block Puzzles 3
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
5G
Name
ACTIVITY
1 15
Pattern-Block Puzzles 4
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
Date
5H