Kindergarten · Geometry
K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations
K.G.A.2 is a kindergarten 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
Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.
In plain words
Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations.
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
What shape do you see?
- Circle
- Square
- Triangle
Where students can get stuck
- Calling a square tilted on its corner a diamond, and insisting it is not a square.
- Rejecting a triangle that points down, or a long, thin one, because it does not look like the usual triangle.
- Naming an upright rectangle but calling one lying on its side a different shape, because it no longer looks like a door.
Effective teaching strategies
- Show a square sitting flat and the same square tilted on a corner, and have students check that each has four equal sides and four square corners, using the corner of a paper, to prove both are squares.
- Cut triangles from paper, some pointing up, some pointing down, some long and thin, and have students sort them by what they share: three straight sides and three corners.
- Turn a paper rectangle slowly in your hands and ask whether the shape changed, so students see that turning it does not change its name.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.G.A.2 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
Eureka Math
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
Go Math!
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
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 Naming shapes turned any which way 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.