Pre-K · Geometry
PK.G.4: Build/draw shapes
PK.G.4 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
Create and build shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls).
In plain words
Build/draw 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
Look at these shapes. Which one could you make with four straight sticks that are all the same length?
- The triangle
- The circle
- The square
Where students can get stuck
- Leaving a gap between the sticks so the triangle does not close, and still calling it a triangle.
- Using sticks of very different lengths for a square, without noticing it looks more like a rectangle.
- Building a shape correctly but not being able to say how many sides it has.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students build a triangle from three paper strips taped at the ends, then run a finger around it to check that the strips meet at every corner with no gaps.
- Give students four same-length strips to build a square, checking each corner against a paper corner, then two long and two short strips for a rectangle with matching strips opposite.
- Ask students to touch and count the sides and corners of each shape they build, saying that a triangle has 3 sides and 3 corners.
Share it with families
Families can read Building shapes from parts, like sticks and clay 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.