Classification of two-dimensional shapes

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New Zealand Curriculum: Level 2

Learning Progression Frameworks: Geometric Thinking, Signpost 2 to Signpost 3

Target students

These activities are intended for students who recognise basic two-dimensional (flat) shapes and can name them using correct mathematical words, such as circle, triangle, and square. The students may identify the shapes by global appearance, and by seeing their likeness to known objects.

The following diagnostic questions indicate students’ degree of sophistication in classifying shapes by features then properties. A feature is a perceptual (visual) characteristic, such as straightness of sides or pointiness of corners. A property is pattern or consistency that connects features, such as all corners are ‘L’ shaped, or two sides are parallel. (show diagnostic questions)

Teaching activities