5th Grade · Geometry
5.G.B.4: Sort shapes into families by their sides and angles
5.G.B.4 is a 5th grade Common Core math standard in Geometry. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties.
In plain words
Sort shapes into families by their sides and angles.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Omar draws a quadrilateral with four sides of the same length. None of its angles is a right angle. Which name fits Omar's shape?
- A square
- A rectangle
- A rhombus
Where students can get stuck
- Naming shapes by how they are turned, calling a square tipped onto its corner a "diamond" instead of a square.
- Placing each shape in only one group, so a square goes under squares but not under rectangles or rhombuses.
- Mixing up the branches, thinking a rhombus needs right angles or a rectangle needs four equal sides.
Effective teaching strategies
- Turn a paper square onto its corner with students and check its sides and angles again, so they see its name does not change with its position.
- Build a hierarchy chart of quadrilaterals with students and ask where a square belongs, so they see it sits under rectangle, rhombus, and parallelogram.
- Sort shapes by one property at a time, such as four equal sides or four right angles, to show that a rhombus does not need right angles.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 5.G.B.4 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Into Math
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Sorting four-sided shapes into a family tree for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice geometry at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.