Kindergarten · Geometry
K.G.B.5: Model shapes in the world
K.G.B.5 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
Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes.
In plain words
Model shapes in the world.
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 is this building block?
- Square
- Cube
- Sphere
Where students can get stuck
- Drawing a triangle with rounded corners or curved sides, instead of three straight sides meeting in sharp corners.
- Building a square from four sticks of different lengths and still calling it a square.
- Adding or leaving out sides when drawing a real object, such as a window, by copying details instead of the shape.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students lay four equal strips of floor tape to make a square, and check that the sides are straight, match in length, and meet in corners like a sheet of paper.
- Show how to draw a triangle with three straight lines that meet at sharp corners, and have students trace a paper triangle before drawing one alone.
- Ask students to draw the shape of a door or a book cover rather than every detail, and count the sides to check that the drawing matches.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.G.B.5 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 Math²
Everyday Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Building and drawing shapes 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.