Zearn Math Kindergarten, Mission 6: Analyzing, Comparing, and Composing Shapes
In this unit, your child looks closely at shapes: comparing them by their sides, corners, and faces; building them from sticks and clay; and putting small shapes together to make larger ones. After a unit on teen numbers and counting to 100, the year ends with shapes, which sets up first-grade work with shapes and their parts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 6?
- Comparing shapes by their parts, like noticing a square and a rectangle both have 4 sides and 4 corners. Learn more: Comparing shapes by their sides and corners
- Building shapes from straws and clay and drawing them, making sure the sides are straight and the shape is closed. Learn more: Building and drawing shapes
- Combining shapes, such as two triangles or two squares, to make a new and larger shape. Learn more: Putting shapes together to make new shapes
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
How is a triangle different from a square?
- It has 3 sides
- It has 4 sides
- It is round
How you can help
- Build a square with four straws of the same length and play dough at the corners. Then build a rectangle and talk about what is the same and what is different.
- Draw a triangle, a square, and a rectangle together on paper. Check that each one is closed, with no gaps, and has straight sides.
- Lay two square napkins side by side, edges touching, and ask what shape they make together. Then fold one napkin corner to corner and talk about the two triangles.
Where kids can get stuck
- Letting shapes touch only partly, so edges overlap or leave a gap and the new shape is wrong.
- Giving up after one try, instead of turning or flipping a piece to make it fit.
- Drawing a shape with an opening, so the sides do not meet and the shape is not closed.
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
- side
- One of the straight lines that make up a flat shape.
- corner
- A point where two sides of a shape meet.
- face
- A flat side of a solid shape.
- closed
- A shape with no gaps, where all the sides meet.
- build
- To make a shape from pieces, like straws and clay.
- combine
- To put two or more shapes together to make one new shape.
- square
- A flat shape with 4 equal sides and 4 square corners.
- rectangle
- A flat shape with 4 straight sides and 4 square corners.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with building and combining 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 6 cover?
Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 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.