Recognise and sort polygons
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what a polygon is and sort polygons in different ways.
Key learning points
- A polygon has straight sides.
- The sides of a polygon meet at vertices.
- A polygon is a 2D shape.
- Polygons can be sorted in different ways.
- Properties of polygons include the number of sides and the number of vertices.
Keywords
Polygon - A 2D shape made up of 3 or more straight sides.
2D / two dimensional - A shape with only two measurable dimensions, e.g. width and length, but no thickness.
Sides - The outside edges of a shape.
Vertices - A vertex is the point where two lines meet. The plural is vertices.
Common misconception
Some children might not count the sides or vertices accurately because they lose track of where they started counting.
Ask children how they can make sure they only count each side or vertex once. Model marking each side or vertex as you count it.
Teacher tip
Provide opportunities for children to handle and explore cut-outs of a wide range of polygons. Include examples with all sides and vertices the same, with some sides and vertices the same and some different and with all sides and vertices different.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the shapes is the same as shape b?
Q2.Match the correct name to each shape.
Q3.How can you describe each shape? Match the shape to the description.
Q4.True or false. These shapes are all rectangles.
Q5.True or false. A square is a type of rectangle.
Q6.All of these shapes are .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.These shapes are all polygons. Which of the statements are true for all polygons?
Q2.Which of these shapes are not polygons?
Q3.True or false. This shape is a polygon.
Q4.Which of these polygons have five sides?
Q5.This polygon has sides.
Q6.How have these shapes been sorted?
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Recognise and sort polygons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Recognise and sort polygons, 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.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Shape: discuss and compare 2D and 3D shapes unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.