Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 6: 3D Shapes and Length
In this unit, your child learns to tell flat shapes from solid shapes, like a cube or a ball; to compare shapes by their sides and corners; and to compare two objects to see which is longer or taller. It builds on describing weight and length from the last unit and comes before taking numbers apart and subtraction.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Telling flat shapes, like a circle drawn on paper, from solid shapes, like a ball, a cube, or a can. Learn more: Telling flat shapes from solid shapes
- Comparing shapes by counting their sides and corners, and by noticing the flat faces on solid shapes like a box. Learn more: Comparing shapes by their sides and corners
- Lining up two objects side by side to tell which is longer or taller, and saying how they are different. Learn more: Comparing which is longer, taller, or heavier
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Look at this shape. Is it a flat shape or a solid shape?
- A solid shape
- A round shape
- A flat shape
How you can help
- Find solid shapes in the kitchen together: a can is a cylinder, an orange is a sphere, and a toy block is a cube. Ask your child to trace one flat face with a finger.
- Line up two spoons, shoes, or stuffed animals with their ends even, and ask which is longer. Then stand back to back with your child to see who is taller.
- Draw a triangle and a rectangle on paper. Have your child count the sides and corners of each one, making a dot on each corner so none gets counted twice.
Where kids can get stuck
- Calling a ball a circle or a block a square, using a flat shape name for a solid shape.
- Comparing two pencils without lining up their ends, so the one sticking out looks longer.
- Counting one side of a square twice and deciding the square has 5 sides.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- flat
- A shape you can draw on paper, like a square or circle.
- solid
- A shape you can hold, like a ball, box, or can.
- cube
- A solid shape with 6 square faces, like a toy block.
- sphere
- A solid shape that is round like a ball.
- cylinder
- A solid shape like a can, with two round flat ends.
- side
- One of the straight lines that make up a flat shape.
- corner
- A point where two sides of a shape meet.
- longer
- Taking up more length from end to end.
- taller
- Reaching higher from the bottom to the top.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with shapes and length?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 6 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 6 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.