Saxon Math Kindergarten, Section 2: Geometry & Comparing Numbers
In this unit, shapes and comparing share the stage. Your child names circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles in any position, uses words like above, below, and beside, and compares two groups to tell which has more or fewer. It builds on the sorting and counting from the start of the year, and it leads into first ideas about adding and the teen numbers next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 2?
- Comparing two groups by matching or counting to tell which has more, which has fewer, or whether they are equal. Learn more: Which group has more, fewer, or the same
- Describing where things are with words like above, below, beside, and in front of, and spotting shapes in objects. Learn more: Spotting shapes and saying where things are
- Naming circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles in any position or size, including a square resting on its corner. Learn more: Naming shapes turned any which way
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
You and your friend each have 7 stickers. Who has more?
- You
- You both have the same
- Your friend
How you can help
- Play Simon Says with position words, such as 'Put your hand above your head' or 'Stand beside the chair,' and then let your child lead.
- Compare two groups at the table, such as cups and plates, by putting one cup on each plate to see which group has extras.
- Draw shapes turned different ways on paper and ask your child to name each one, then let them draw one turned a new way for you.
Where kids can get stuck
- Treating 'more' as bigger, so 4 large plates seem like more than 6 small cups.
- Calling a square on its corner a diamond and saying it is a different shape.
- Mixing up 'beside' and 'behind,' so a lamp next to the chair is called 'behind' it.
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
- compare
- To look at two things or numbers and tell how they are different.
- more
- Having a larger number of things than another group.
- fewer
- Having a smaller number of things than another group.
- equal
- The same amount; 4 is equal to 4.
- above
- Higher than something else, like a lamp above a table.
- below
- Lower than something else, like a rug below a chair.
- beside
- Right at the side of something, like a cup beside a plate.
- triangle
- A flat shape with 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- rectangle
- A flat shape with 4 sides and 4 square corners.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with shapes and comparing?
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 Kindergarten Section 2 cover?
Saxon Math Kindergarten Section 2 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.