Saxon Math Grade 1, Section 4: Geometry & Fractional Equal Parts
In this unit, first graders identify shapes by their attributes, or features, like the number of sides and vertices, the corners. They build bigger shapes from smaller ones and split circles and rectangles into equal parts called halves and fourths. After counting and comparing two-digit numbers, this is a change of pace, and next they tell time, measure length, and add two-digit numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 4?
- Identifying triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles by their sides and corners, no matter how they're turned. Learn more: What makes a triangle a triangle
- Fitting shapes together to make a new shape, like two half-circles into a circle or two squares into a rectangle. Learn more: Building bigger shapes from smaller ones
- Dividing shapes into two or four equal parts and naming them halves, fourths, or quarters. Learn more: Halves and quarters of circles and rectangles
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 must be true for a shape to be a triangle?
- It must have 3 straight sides.
- It must be blue.
- It must be big.
How you can help
- Find shapes on a walk, like a rectangle door or a circle sign, and ask your child to count the sides and corners of each.
- Cut a paper circle into two half-circles and ask your child to put it back together. Then cut each half again and name the fourths.
- Fold a piece of paper into four equal parts in two different ways, and ask whether each part is still a fourth.
Where kids can get stuck
- Calling two pieces of a circle halves when one is much bigger.
- Thinking a triangle pointing down isn't a triangle anymore because it looks different.
- Naming a rectangle made of two squares as just two squares.
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
- attribute
- A feature of a shape, like how many sides or corners it has.
- side
- A straight line that makes part of a shape's edge.
- vertex
- A corner, where two sides of a shape meet.
- half-circle
- Half of a circle, with one curved side and one straight side.
- equal parts
- Pieces of a shape that are all the same size.
- half
- One of two equal parts of a whole.
- fourth
- One of four equal parts of a whole, also called a quarter.
- quarter
- Another name for a fourth, one of four equal parts.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with shapes and fractions?
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 Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 4 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 4 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.