CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.4
The Standard
Analyze and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes, in different sizes and orientations, using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts (e.g., number of sides and vertices/"corners") and other attributes (e.g., having sides of equal length).
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Geometry
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students examine flat shapes and solid shapes in different sizes and positions. They describe how two shapes are alike and different by discussing sides, corners, equal lengths, and curved or flat parts.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students compare shapes accurately even when the shapes are turned or different sizes. They count sides and corners, notice equal sides, and describe flat or curved parts.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think turning or resizing a shape changes its name. They may confuse sides with corners or assume sides are equal because they look similar. They may also call every solid shape a circle or square.
How to Assess It
- Show a rotated square beside a rectangle, then a cube beside a cylinder. Ask students to name one way each pair is alike and one way it is different.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students shape cutouts and solid blocks, then have partners choose two and describe two similarities and two differences.
Show a triangle and a square, then ask, "What parts can you count, and what do you notice about their sides?"
Play Shape Detective by giving clues such as, "I have four sides and four corners," while students hold up matching shapes.
Take a classroom shape hunt, then compare a clock and book or a can and box using sides, corners, and curved parts.
Free download
Printable K.G.B.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetBefore This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.A.2
Naming shapes across sizes and orientations supports comparing their parts and attributes, but students can begin comparing without fluent shape names.
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.A.3
Knowing flat versus solid helps students choose appropriate attributes when comparing shapes, such as sides and corners versus faces.
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.MD.A.1
Describing object attributes like length supports comparing shapes by size, side length, and visible parts, but geometry adds new shape-specific features.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.1
Comparing shapes by sides, corners, size, and orientation prepares students to tell which attributes define a shape and which do not.
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B.5
Describing sides, corners, and other attributes helps students choose components and draw shapes that match real-world objects.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-GMD.B.4
Identify the shapes of two-dimensional cross-sections of three-dimensional objects, and identify three-dimensional objects generated by rotations of two-dimensi...
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.G.B
Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-MG.A.1
Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects (e.g., modeling a tree trunk or a human torso as a cylinder).
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