Zearn Math Kindergarten, Mission 2: Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Shapes
In this unit, your child names flat shapes, like triangles and rectangles, and solid shapes, like cubes and cylinders; describes where things are; and compares shapes by their parts. After a first unit on numbers to 5, this one turns to shapes. The next unit compares length, weight, and how much things hold, along with numbers to 10.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 2?
- Naming shapes they see around them, like a rectangle on a door, and telling where things are with words like next to and behind. Learn more: Spotting shapes and saying where things are
- Naming a shape the same way whether it is big, small, turned, or upside down, like a triangle pointing down. Learn more: Naming shapes turned any which way
- Sorting shapes into flat ones, which lie on paper, and solid ones, which you can hold, like a ball or a box. Learn more: Telling flat shapes from solid shapes
- Describing how shapes are alike and different by counting sides and corners, such as a triangle having 3 of each. 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
- Play I spy with shapes at home: "I spy a rectangle next to the bed." Let your child find it, then take a turn giving you a clue.
- Trace around the bottom of a cup and a box on paper. Talk about how each solid object leaves a flat shape behind: a circle and a rectangle.
- Draw a triangle, then turn the paper upside down. Ask whether it is still a triangle, and count its sides and corners together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Calling a box a square because one face is square, instead of naming the solid shape.
- Insisting an upside-down triangle is not a triangle anymore because it points the other way.
- Losing track of the starting corner and counting one corner twice when counting corners.
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.
- triangle
- A flat shape with 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- rectangle
- A flat shape with 4 straight sides and 4 square corners.
- cube
- A solid shape with 6 square faces, like a toy block.
- 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.
- next to
- Right beside something, close at its side.
Want to help your child master naming shapes?
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 Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 2 cover?
Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 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.