Go Math! Kindergarten, Chapter 9: Identify and Describe 2D Shapes
In this unit, your child focuses on flat shapes. Kindergartners name circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons, recognize them however they are turned, count their sides and corners, and use position words like above and next to. It is a change of pace after counting past 20, and it sets up the next unit, where your child explores solid shapes and how they differ.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 9?
- Spotting flat shapes in the world around them and describing where things are with words like above, below, and next to. Learn more: Spotting shapes and saying where things are
- Naming circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons however they are turned and whatever their size. Learn more: Naming shapes turned any which way
- Identifying circles, squares, and other shapes as flat, or two-dimensional, because they lie flat on a page. Learn more: Telling flat shapes from solid shapes
- Comparing flat shapes by counting sides and corners, and noticing that a circle has no corners at all. Learn more: Comparing shapes by their sides and corners
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
What shape is a slice of pizza?
- Triangle
- Circle
- Square
How you can help
- Hunt for flat shapes on a walk or ride, such as a triangle sign or a rectangle door, and count the sides of each one together.
- Draw shapes in different sizes and turned different ways on paper, and let your child name each one and count its corners.
- Ask your child to place a toy above, below, or next to a shape you draw, then switch so they give the directions.
Where kids can get stuck
- Calling a square on its corner a diamond and refusing to call it a square.
- Counting one side twice or losing their starting point, and saying a square has 5 sides.
- Calling an upright rectangle a door shape but a rectangle lying on its side something else.
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
- two-dimensional
- Flat, like a shape drawn on paper; also called 2D.
- side
- A straight line that makes part of a flat shape's edge.
- corner
- The point where two sides of a shape meet.
- hexagon
- A flat shape with 6 straight sides and 6 corners.
- rectangle
- A flat shape with 4 sides and 4 square corners.
- above
- Higher than something else, like a lamp above a table.
- next to
- Right at the side of something, close by.
Want to help your child master flat shapes and their sides?
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 Go Math! Kindergarten Chapter 9 cover?
Go Math! Kindergarten Chapter 9 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.