Describe, name and sort polygons, including pentagons, hexagons and octagons
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recognise and describe polygons including pentagons, hexagons and octagons.
Key learning points
- The names of polygons are linked to the number of sides they have.
- A pentagon is any polygon with 5 sides.
- A hexagon is any polygon with 6 sides.
- An octagon is any polygon with 8 sides.
Keywords
Pentagon - A polygon with 5 sides and 5 vertices.
Hexagon - A polygon with 6 sides and 6 vertices.
Octagon - A polygon with 8 sides and 8 vertices.
Common misconception
Children may say that they do not know the name of a polygon when it is an irregular and it does not look familiar to them.
Show children a wide range of pentagons and count the sides and vertices of each shape. Agree that these shapes are all pentagons even though they all look different. Repeat with hexagons and octagons.
Teacher tip
Allow children plenty of practice of marking each side or vertex as they count. Ask children if it matters which side or vertex you count first? Why do they think this?
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Triangles have straight sides and vertices.
Q2.Match the start and ends of the statements correctly.
Q3.Squares and rectangles are types of .
Q4.Which of these shapes is different to the other shapes?
Q5.Match the correct label to each set of shapes.
Q6.Here is a set of labelled rectangles. Which shape should not be in this set?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these polygons have six sides?
Q2.Match the polygons to their properties.
Q3.Match the polygon to its name.
Q4.Match the polygon to its properties.
Q5.Which set of polygons has an incorrect shape?
Q6.Order the shapes by the number of vertices, starting with the fewest.
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Describe, name and sort polygons, including pentagons, hexagons and octagons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Describe, name and sort polygons, including pentagons, hexagons and octagons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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