Identifying parallel lines
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify parallel lines and extend lines in polygons to determine if sides are parallel.
Key learning points
- If you extend the side of a shape beyond the shape you can identify parallel and perpendicular lines.
- Lines are parallel because they are always the same distance apart.
Keywords
Parallel - Parallel lines are straight lines that are always the same distance apart. They never get closer together or further apart.
Common misconception
Children may overgeneralise that parallel lines can only come in pairs or must be horizontal or vertical in orientation.
These misconceptions are addressed in the lesson. You may wish to use these to create additional examples and non-examples to compare and share.
Teacher tip
In Cycle 2 children learn to extend lines to check if they are parallel. Take time to encourage discussion and prediction so that they are selective about which lines they extend to check.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order the shapes starting with the shape with the highest number of vertices.
Q2.Complete the sentence. This quadrilateral has pair(s) of parallel sides.
Q3.Complete the sentence. This polygon has pair(s) of perpendicular sides.
Q4.Complete the sentence. A pair of perpendicular sides meet to make a angle.
Q5.Select the correct end to this sentence. A trapezium has exactly …
Q6.Name one of the two shapes that this pentagon has been decomposed into.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? These lines are all parallel to one another.
Q2.True or false? These lines are all parallel to one another.
Q3.True or false? These lines are all parallel to one another.
Q4.To check if sides in a shape are parallel, you can …
Q5.How many other sides are parallel to the side marked with an A in this polygon?
Q6.True or false: If a shape has a pair of parallel sides it must also have a pair of perpendicular sides.
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Identifying parallel lines, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Identifying parallel lines, 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 2 maths lessons from the Parallel and perpendicular sides in polygons unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.