Activity Overview
Both triangles and quadrilaterals are big groups. One of the standards for elementary grades is to be able to recognize shapes and categorize them. There are many things to remember about each polygon, and it can be tricky to keep them all straight.
In this activity, students will create lost flyers to help find and identify some common or regular polygons that have gone "missing". Students may also enjoy making Wanted Posters for any law-breaking polygons, or "fashion" reviews of celebrity polygons. To add faces to shapes, type "face" or "faces" into the search field.
Categorize Triangles
| Triangles | can be named by both sides and angles, making seven different types of triangles. |
|---|---|
| Equilateral Triangles | have equal side lengths and equal angle measurements. |
| Scalene Triangles | have different lengths for each side. |
| Isosceles Triangles | have at least two sides with equal length. (An equilateral triangle is ALSO an isosceles triangle) |
| Acute Triangles | have three acute angles. |
| Right Triangles | have one right angle and two acute angles. |
| Obtuse Triangles | have one obtuse angle and two acute angles |
Special Quadrilaterals
| Square | quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | quadrilateral with four right angles |
| Rhombus | quadrilateral with four equal sides |
| Parallelogram | quadrilateral with two sets of parallel sides |
| Trapezoid | quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides |
| Kite | quadrilateral with two pairs of adjacent congruent sides |
Lists like the ones above contain helpful information, but can be too wordy and unclear. Charts with images and labels are sometimes more kid-friendly (or just more friendly in general). Sometimes making chart after chart can become tiresome and muddle the brain, so a little extra ingenuity can go a long way.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a "Lost" or "Wanted" poster for different polygons. Be sure to include the properties that make them a part of the category they belong to!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Find the shape you will be making your poster for and drag it down into the cells.
- Use textables or the description box to identify the name of the shape, how many sides it has, how many angles it has, and any other special information that will help people find the shape.
- Add faces or other fun items to jazz up your shapes!
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Both triangles and quadrilaterals are big groups. One of the standards for elementary grades is to be able to recognize shapes and categorize them. There are many things to remember about each polygon, and it can be tricky to keep them all straight.
In this activity, students will create lost flyers to help find and identify some common or regular polygons that have gone "missing". Students may also enjoy making Wanted Posters for any law-breaking polygons, or "fashion" reviews of celebrity polygons. To add faces to shapes, type "face" or "faces" into the search field.
Categorize Triangles
| Triangles | can be named by both sides and angles, making seven different types of triangles. |
|---|---|
| Equilateral Triangles | have equal side lengths and equal angle measurements. |
| Scalene Triangles | have different lengths for each side. |
| Isosceles Triangles | have at least two sides with equal length. (An equilateral triangle is ALSO an isosceles triangle) |
| Acute Triangles | have three acute angles. |
| Right Triangles | have one right angle and two acute angles. |
| Obtuse Triangles | have one obtuse angle and two acute angles |
Special Quadrilaterals
| Square | quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | quadrilateral with four right angles |
| Rhombus | quadrilateral with four equal sides |
| Parallelogram | quadrilateral with two sets of parallel sides |
| Trapezoid | quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides |
| Kite | quadrilateral with two pairs of adjacent congruent sides |
Lists like the ones above contain helpful information, but can be too wordy and unclear. Charts with images and labels are sometimes more kid-friendly (or just more friendly in general). Sometimes making chart after chart can become tiresome and muddle the brain, so a little extra ingenuity can go a long way.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a "Lost" or "Wanted" poster for different polygons. Be sure to include the properties that make them a part of the category they belong to!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Find the shape you will be making your poster for and drag it down into the cells.
- Use textables or the description box to identify the name of the shape, how many sides it has, how many angles it has, and any other special information that will help people find the shape.
- Add faces or other fun items to jazz up your shapes!
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Special Polygon Names
Use anchor charts to reinforce polygon properties
Create a large, colorful anchor chart for your classroom displaying different polygons and their key properties. Visual references help students remember shape names and characteristics.
Involve students in chart creation for deeper learning
Invite students to help design and add to the anchor chart by drawing shapes or labeling features. Active participation boosts engagement and understanding.
Incorporate real-life examples of polygons
Encourage students to find and share real objects that match each polygon on the chart. This connects abstract math to everyday life, making learning more meaningful.
Review anchor charts regularly during lessons
Reference the anchor chart whenever introducing or discussing polygons. Frequent review helps reinforce vocabulary and concepts for all learners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Special Polygon Names
What are the names of special polygons for elementary students?
Special polygons for elementary students include triangles (equilateral, isosceles, scalene, right, acute, obtuse) and quadrilaterals (square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, kite). Learning their properties helps students categorize and identify shapes.
How can I teach students to recognize different types of triangles and quadrilaterals?
Use visual aids like charts and posters, and encourage hands-on activities where students create "Lost" or "Wanted" posters for each shape. Focus on identifying key properties such as the number of sides, angles, and unique features.
What are fun activities for teaching polygon names in grades 2-3?
Try making Lost or Wanted posters for polygons, using faces or decorations to personalize them. Students can also sort shapes, play matching games, or create fashion reviews for "celebrity" polygons to reinforce learning in an engaging way.
What properties should I include on a lost poster for a polygon?
Include the name of the shape, number of sides, number of angles, and any special characteristics (like equal sides or parallel lines). Adding visuals and fun details can make the poster more memorable for students.
What's the difference between a square, rectangle, and rhombus?
A square has four equal sides and four right angles. A rectangle has four right angles but only opposite sides are equal. A rhombus has four equal sides but angles are not always right angles.
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