Pre-K · Geometry
PK.G.2: Name basic shapes
PK.G.2 is a Pre-K 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 Pre-K math learning standard
Correctly name shapes regardless of size.
In plain words
Name basic 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
What shape does a stop sign look like?
- Circle
- Square
- Octagon
Where students can get stuck
- Calling a tiny square a "little box" or a huge circle a "ball," not seeing the same shape at a new size.
- Calling every four-sided shape a square, including a long, thin rectangle like a door.
- Naming a triangle at a familiar size but guessing when it is much larger, such as a play tent.
Effective teaching strategies
- Show a tiny paper square and a huge floor-tape square side by side and have students name both, so they see that one shape can come in any size.
- Hold a square and a long, thin rectangle together and have students trace each side, to see that the square's four sides match while the rectangle's do not all match.
- Show a triangle at a familiar size, then much bigger and much smaller, and ask what stayed the same, so students look at the sides and corners and not the size.
Share it with families
Families can read Naming shapes whatever their size 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.