Spotting shapes and saying where things are
In kindergarten, children learn to name shapes in the objects around them and to describe where things are with words like above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
Try these with your child
These are real questions from our kindergarten 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
Why this matters
Words like above, below, and beside help your child describe their world clearly and follow directions with confidence. These words come back when they read simple charts in 1st grade and picture graphs and bar graphs in 2nd grade, and whenever they read a map. Spotting shapes in everyday objects also leads to describing shapes by their sides and corners in 1st grade.
Where kids can get stuck
- Using "beside" and "behind" as if they mean the same thing, so a chair next to the table is "behind" it.
- Calling a soup can a circle or a box a square, naming a flat face instead of the solid shape.
- Describing position only from their own side, not seeing that a ball in front of a tree is behind it from the other side.
How you can help
- Give your child directions for tidying up using position words, such as "put the book beside the lamp" or "put your shoes below the bench."
- Go on a shape hunt in the kitchen, finding a cylinder in a can, a cube in a sugar cube or box, and a circle on a plate.
- Describe a toy's hiding place with two clues, such as "it is behind something round and below the window," and let your child find it.
Want a little more? Watch the kid-friendly video below together, or try Bobby's Math Club for free practice that adapts to your child.
Kid-friendly explanation
Questions parents ask
Why is my child learning words like above, below, and beside in math?
These words describe position in space, which is a big part of geometry. They help your child describe where things are clearly; follow multi-step directions; and later read maps, graphs, and diagrams. Practicing them in real situations, like tidying up or giving directions, makes them stick.
What shapes should my kindergartner find in real objects?
Kindergartners look for flat shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons; and solid shapes, such as cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres. A ball is a sphere, a can is a cylinder, and an ice cream cone is a cone. Finding these in real objects shows that your child understands what makes each shape.
My child knows the shapes on paper but not in real life. Why?
Real objects often have extra details, such as labels, colors, or curved edges, that hide the basic shape. Your child may also be used to seeing shapes drawn in one way. Point out shapes as you notice them, and ask your child to trace the outline with a finger. That helps them see the shape inside the object.
Make learning math fun
Bobby's Math Club turns kindergarten math practice into something fun to do together.
- Unlimited practice, completely free
- Practice that starts where your child is and grows with them
- Hints when they are stuck, and a celebration when it clicks
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.
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Join the clubNote for teachers: This skill is covered by Common Core math standard K.G.A.1: “Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.” Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow. (Common Core K.G.1)