Four basic shapes
Shapes – Definition with Examples
What are Shapes?
In geometry, a shape can be defined as the form of an object or its outline, outer boundary or outer surface.
Everything we see in the world around us has a shape. We can find different basic shapes such as the two-dimensional square, rectangle, and oval or the three-dimensional rectangular prism, cylinder, and sphere in the objects we see around us. These geometric shapes appear in objects we see as credit cards, bills and coins, finger rings, photo frames, dart boards, huts, windows, magician’s wands, tall buildings, flower pots, toy trains, and balloons.
Different Types of Shapes
Shapes can be classified into open and closed shapes.
In geometry, an open shape can be defined as a shape or figure whose line segments and/or curves do not meet. They do not start and end at the same point. | In geometry, a closed shape can be defined as an enclosed shape or figure whose line segments and/or curves are connected or meet. They start and end at the same point. |
Closed geometric shapes can further be put into two broad categories, namely two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.
The 2-Dimensional shape is flat. | A 3-Dimensional Shape is a solid shape. |
It has two dimensions, that is, length and width. | It has two dimensions, that is, length, width, and depth. |
Here’s a list of 2-D or two-dimensional shapes with their names and pictures:
Two-Dimensional Geometric Shapes |
Here’s a list of 3-D or three-dimensional shapes with their names and pictures:
Three-Dimensional Geometric Shapes |
The color, overall size, and orientation called the non-defining attributes of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape do not define or affect the shape in any way. These attributes can change without any effect on the shape.
On the other hand, defining attributes such as the number of sides (parallel or non-parallel, straight or curved), vertices, edges, and faces of a shape, whether the shape is open or closed, and the angle measures determine the shape of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object. Any change in these defining attributes will change the shape.
Solved Examples on Shapes
Example 1: Name the shapes.
- A polygon with 6 sides.
- Outline of a door.
- When you fold square corner to corner.
- A square and a triangle on top of it.
Solution:
- Hexagon
- Rectangle or quadrilateral
- Triangle
- Pentagon
Example 2: Classify the given letters as open shape or closed shape.
C, D, L, M, O, S, U, V, Z
Solution:
Open shape: C, L, M, S, U, V, Z
Closed shape: D, O
Example 3: Identify the solid shape of given objects.
- Globe
- Book
- Cold drink can
- Dice
Solution:
- Sphere
- Cuboid
- Cylinder
- Cube
Example 4: Why is the crescent-shaped moon not a polygon?
Solution:
Crescent shape moon is not a polygon as it has curved lines.
Practice Problems
hexagon
heptagon
octagon
quadrilateral
Correct answer is: octagon
A polygon with 8 sides is known as octagon.
1
2
3
depends on the shape
Correct answer is: 3
All solid shapes are 3-dimensional shapes.
closed shapes can have only straight sides.
closed shapes have definite area.
start and end point of a closed shape are the same.
start and end point of a open shape are the different.
Correct answer is: closed shapes can have only straight sides.
Closed shapes are shapes whose start and end points are the same. It is not necessary that it is formed by only straight sides.
Teaching Basic Shapes to Kids In an Interesting Way
Table of Contents
1. | Introduction |
2. | Why is teaching shapes so important? |
3. | What are the different types of shapes for kids? |
4. | How to teach kids with the help of games and activities |
5. | Conclusion |
6. | About Cuemath |
7. | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
8. | External References |
Introduction
Kids have dynamic learning capabilities that are enhanced by their observation skills. However, parents need to take tiny steps while teaching preschool kids. Basic shapes and colors impact children. They try to understand their surroundings by looking at the different objects around them. All kinds of objects and structures help kids in learning shapes. As a parent one should introduce different shapes for kids at an early age. There are various shapes activities for kindergarten that can help kids learn and understand basic shapes.
Shapes for Kids
Here is a downloadable PDF that lists out various shapes for kids. Teaching basic shapes for kids helps them understand their own observations. Different types of shapes for kids. Click on the download button to explore them.
Why is teaching shapes important?
Basic shapes for kids are being taught at every preschool today. It is important to understand the necessity of shaping activities for kindergarten kids. Few ways in which kids are impacted by basic shapes are:
- Visual Information
- Sign and symbols
- Alphabets and numbers
- Mathematical concepts
- Categorization and comparison
- Problem-solving
- Symmetry
- Kids Learn how to organize visual information
Children observe their surroundings very keenly and encounter different shapes every single day. Teaching basic shapes for kids helps them understand their own observations. The visual information they gather comprises compound shapes that are formed by a combination of basic shapes. Shapes’ names for kids enable them to identify the basic shapes in compound shapes. For instance, when a child looks at a car it appears to be a rectangular box. However, children will learn to identify the compound shapes in a car once they learn basic shapes.
- Helps to teach signs and symbols
Symbols are very important for kids. But it will take some time for kids to get used to it. Kids take some time before they can actually name the shapes they see. However, this does not indicate that the kid is unable to comprehend basic shapes. Signs on the other hand impart certain information and details. Basic shapes for kids help them store information in their minds. Kids are usually 5 to 6 years old when they start following signs and symbols
.
- Help kids identify different alphabets and numbers
Toddlers may get confused among all the alphabets they see. As parents, it can be challenging to teach various letters and numbers. Kids tend to mix up similar-shaped letters like “b” and “d”. Patience is important while correcting these mistakes. Learning shapes for kids help them differentiate among the letters. Therefore all the preschools cover learning shapes for kids before moving into Alphabets and numbers.
- Basic mathematical concepts can be taught
Once a child is comfortable identifying shapes for his /her own, they can start learning simple mathematical operations like addition and subtraction. It is always easier to teach addition than subtraction. Therefore we advise parents to start teaching addition and then venture into subtraction. Basic shapes for kids include balls, matchboxes, dice, etc. So you can pick the object of your choice and start teaching simple maths to your kids.
- Categorization and comparison
Facial recognition and navigation skills are swiftly developed among kids who can categorize and compare various shapes. As kids learn to differentiate shapes, they understand facial features and their differences. It is also important to note that different shapes for kids imply different geographical locations or features. Have you noticed, in kids’ drawing- mountains and hills are always triangles and houses have a square or rectangle structure with a triangular roof? We do suggest you take a look and understand how kids observe and compare the shapes around them.
- Problem-solving
Brain development and thinking skills are really important for a kid in preschool or kindergarten. Shapes and colors are directly responsible for brain development. Kids analyze structures and start with 2-D mental mapping and then gradually, as the year progresses, they start 3-D mapping. These mental mapping of shapes plays a crucial role in the development of problem-solving abilities in children.
- Symmetry
Kids love to play around the parks or fields. This is important for the development of their motor skills. However, kids tend to lose their balance more often than adults. Growing up, we all had cuts and bruises on our knees Over the years these injuries started disappearing even when sports activities became more rigorous. This happens when kids are unable to understand the basic concept of balance and center of gravity. Now even though terms like the center of gravity feel fancy for kids, it is important to teach symmetry with the help of basic shapes for kids. This will help them understand how to position themselves and develop motor skills.
What are the different types of shapes for kids?
Different shapes for kids are available ranging from basic shapes to compound shapes. Basic shapes are simple shapes that can not be broken down into simpler shapes by general conventions, examples include square, circle, triangle, etc. Compound shapes can be split into simpler shapes, examples include Arrows, Starts, etc. Let us go through a few shapes to understand better.
Shape |
Image |
Number of Sides |
Example: |
Triangle |
3 Sides |
Mountains and Hills are Triangle in shape |
|
Square |
4 Sides |
Small houses or huts are square in shape |
|
Rectangle |
4 Sides |
Cars and buses are rectangle in shape |
|
Circle |
No Sides |
Wheels and Balls are circle in shape |
|
Arrow |
7 Sides |
Signs boards have an arrow shape |
|
Star |
10 Sides |
Starfish and star anise are star-shaped |
|
Diamond |
4 Sides |
Kites and crystals have diamond shape |
|
Heart |
No Sides |
Strawberries are heart-shaped. |
- Basic Shapes for kids
Shapes like squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles are taught first to kids. Once a child learns how to categorize and name these shapes, they are taught more complex shapes. However, it suggested that ample time is spent on basic shapes for kids. This is because all the shapes are taught at a later stage depending upon the concepts developed during learning basic shapes for kids. It may require a little while for kids to pick up the concept but we suggest parents be patient.
- Advanced Shapes for kids
Once a child is familiar with basic shapes he/she is ready to learn advanced shapes for kids. These shapes include arrows, stars, and hearts. Advanced shapes do not include 3-D structures in preschool as it may confuse them. Kids with a clear conception of basic shapes will be able to ace this topic quickly.
How to teach shapes to kids with the help of games and activities?
Till now, we saw how important basic shapes can be for a child's brain development. Teaching shapes can be cumbersome without activities as children find it difficult to comprehend something that can not be observed. Activities and games will help kids learn while having fun.
Now, we will look into a few activities and games to help your child play and learn.
- Flashcard shapes for kids
Flashcards are a really fun and interactive tool while teaching kids. They can be purchased in stores or prepared by hand. You can draw different shapes on cards made out of thick paper to prepare a set of flashcards. Use these cards to play with your child. Ask your kid to pick up a card and name the shape drawn on the card. Maintain a scoreboard and let them beat their own high scores.
- Shapes for kids chart
Bright and colorful shape names for kid's charts are available in the market. To prepare them at home, you need to draw shapes and write down their names. Colorful shapes are easier to remember for kids. Ask your kids to look at the beautiful chart every day in the morning before going to preschool or kindergarten.
- Shapes hunt
Just like a treasure hunt, shapes hunting is fun and easy for preschoolers. Use a set of flashcards with different shapes on them. Ask your kid to pick up one card and identify the shape and once he or she has identified the shape, ask them to find an object of the same shape around the house. This will keep the kids engaged and help them relate basic shapes to their surroundings.
- Puzzle games
Two types of puzzles are available for kids to learn basic shapes. The first one contains pieces of brightly colored basic shapes for kids. These shapes need to be fitted onboard with hollows similar to the shapes. These boards with pieces of basic shape for kids are available in preschool supply shops and toy shops.
The second type is a conventional puzzle with bigger pieces. Once a child is proficient in basic shapes for kids they can try to join the pieces of a picture together.
We suggest you go for basic puzzles with pictures of fruits and flowers to keep the level easy for your child.
Conclusion
In the former section, we came across the various benefits of teaching basic shapes for kids. It is one of the most important topics covered in the kindergarten and preschool syllabus. Even though your child may be learning shapes for kids in school, it is suggested that parents help them out with shapes games for kids. This is because the identification of shapes and naming shapes are two different objectives. Kids tend to forget shape names.
Start teaching basic shapes to your child and try to relate them with the objects around you. This will help kids relate the concept of basic shapes with their surroundings. We suggest parents start with basic shapes and gradually move into advanced shapes. Spend more time on basic shapes for kids to build the foundation for advanced shapes.
About Cuemath
Cuemath, a student-friendly mathematics and coding platform, conducts regular Online Live Classes for academics and skill-development, and their Mental Math App, on both iOS and Android, is a one-stop solution for kids to develop multiple skills. Understand the Cuemath Fee structure and sign up for a free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between regular and irregular shapes?
- Regular Shapes are those which have equal sides as well as equal angles. Irregular Shapes are just the opposite,i.e, their angles and sides vary.
- Examples of Regular Shapes are Square, Circle, Equilateral Triangle, etc.
- Examples of Irregular Shapes are Rectangle, Heart, Right-angled triangle, etc.
- Cylinder - Circles
- Cuboid - Rectangles
- Cube - Squares
- Pyramid - Rectangles and Circles
- Tetrahedron - Triangles
- Geometric: These are simple shapes like rectangle, square, triangle, etc. which are geometric in nature. They form the basis of other types of shapes.
- Organic: These shapes are curvier in nature and have a natural feel to them (for example, the shape made after the ink is spilled on a paper is of organic type). These are more soothing and relaxing to the eyes.
- Abstract: These shapes are complex in nature and are mostly used in graphics designing purposes. They are aesthetically beautiful but are not naturally found.
Four basic verb forms in English
In the previous article, we looked at what types of verbs are in English. In this article, we continue to learn more about the verb and get to know its basic forms. The English verb has 4 main forms. These include: the infinitive (Infinitive), the past indefinite tense (Pat simple), the past participle (Participle II) and the present participle (Participle I). They are used to form other complex forms of the verb. All these forms are summarized in a table, which can usually be found in grammar books.
Infinitive
Infinitive - the initial form of the verb, the one that we can find in the dictionary. The infinitive indicator is the particle to , although it can be used without it. The initial form of the verb is necessary for the formation of tenses of the group Simple and many other verb forms, and can also be used independently in a sentence in various functions and as part of constructions (for more information on the use of the infinitive, see our articles on the infinitive). |
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Offer examples
- They refused to board the plane.
- They refused to board the plane.
- We don't want to lose our time, so let's go now.
- We don't want to waste our time, so let's go now.
- Now I begin to understand you.
- Now I'm starting to understand you.
- We all helped to move the car.
- We all helped move the car.
Past Simple
The second form of the verb or the past simple tense is used to form tense Past Simple and has regular and irregular forms. |
|
Sample proposals
- I knew he was right but didn't want to admit that.
- I knew you were right, but I didn't want to admit it.
- They canceled the meeting 10 minutes before the start.
- They canceled the meeting 10 minutes before the start.
- The postman delivered all the newspapers to subscribers.
- Postman delivered all newspapers to subscribers.
Past Participle
The third form of the verb or the past participle (Past Participle or Participle II) is necessary for the formation of the Perfect tenses and the passive voice (Passive Voice), also has its regular and irregular forms. Independently can be used in a sentence in the function of definition, circumstance and be the nominal part of the compound predicate. Participle II as and the infinitive is part of participial phrases. |
Offer examples
- Greatly exited , the children were opening the presents.
- Being very excited, the children opened presents.
- I have never met such a devoted friend as you.
- I have never met such a devoted friend as you.
- Fortunately, he was acquitted.
- Fortunately, he was acquitted.
- Police never found the stolen car.
- The police never found the stolen car.
Regular and irregular verbs
Due to the established historical development of the English language, according to the way the forms of the past tense are formed: Past Simple, Past Partciple, verbs are divided into regular and irregular.
Regular verbs that come from Germanic weak verbs that obey the general rules and form the past simple and participle II with the ending -ed. They make up the majority. |
At the same time, irregular verbs form past simple and participle II, by analogy with Germanic strong verbs, which retained their individual forms in the process of language development. Forms of the past tense are formed by means of changes in the stem of the word, the final consonant, without changing the form of the word and with the help of completely different stems. There are about 250 irregular verbs in English, the most used of which should be remembered. |
Offer examples
- It cost me a fortune (irregular).
- It cost me a fortune.
- He never agreed to our idea (regular).
- He never agreed to our idea.
- The ball has just fallen into the swimming pool (irregular).
- The ball has just dropped into the pool.
- I paid for the damage of your car.
- I paid for the damage to your car.
Watch the video:
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Massive shape creates the effect of maximum mass in the area 'where all hairs reach the same length level.
The combination of progressive layers in the upper part and graduated layers in the lower part produces a mass effect at the junction of the two structures. Mass line (and its I extension) moves with the change in the ratio of the two structures.
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