Kindergarten · Geometry
K.G.B.6: Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes
K.G.B.6 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
Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes. For example, "Can you join these two triangles with full sides touching to make a rectangle?"
In plain words
Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes.
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
If you put these two blue squares together side-by-side, what larger shape can they make?
- Triangle
- Circle
- Rectangle
Where students can get stuck
- Joining two triangles corner to corner instead of side to side, leaving a gap instead of a rectangle.
- Letting sides touch only partly, so edges overlap or leave a step and the new shape comes out wrong.
- Trying one position, deciding the pieces do not fit, and giving up without turning or flipping them.
Effective teaching strategies
- Cut a paper rectangle along its diagonal and have students put the two triangles back together with full sides touching to make the rectangle again.
- Teach students to turn or flip a piece when it does not fit, and have them say which move they tried.
- Show three joined pairs of shapes, one with a gap, one with an overlap, and one that fits, and ask students which one fits and how to fix the other two so full sides touch.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.G.B.6 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
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Putting shapes together to make new 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.