CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.A.1
The standard
Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Geometry
What this standard means
Students need to name familiar 2D and 3D shapes they see around them, like circles, rectangles, cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres. They also need to use position words to tell where one object is compared with another, such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
Mastery looks like a child saying, “The clock is a circle above the door,” or “The ball is beside the cube.” Students often mix up flat and solid shapes, call rectangles squares, or use vague words like “there” instead of clear position words.
Ways to teach it
- Shape hunt: give pairs a clipboard and picture checklist to find classroom objects shaped like circles, rectangles, cylinders, cubes, cones, and spheres.
- Prompt students to describe a classroom object using one shape name and one position word, such as “The poster is above the shelf.”
- Show a toy bear and block, move one, and ask students to say the position using beside, behind, above, or below.
- Look at a snack container, ball, party hat, and tissue box, then name each shape and where it might be found at home.
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