Lesson 6
Rectangles and Squares
Lesson Purpose
Lesson Narrative
Earlier in this section, students sorted shapes and described their attributes. In the previous lesson, students learned the defining attributes of triangles (all triangles are closed, have three straight sides, and three corners).
In this lesson, students continue that work, this time with squares and rectangles. Students learn that a square is a special rectangle because it has the defining attributes of a rectangle (four sides and four square corners), but also has four sides with equal lengths. Students should be able to identify squares as rectangles, but they do not need to articulate a formal definition of a rectangle or a square.
- Action and Expression
- MLR7
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Draw squares and rectangles based on defining attributes.
- Identify defining and non-defining attributes of rectangles and squares.
- Recognize a square as a special rectangle.
Student Facing
- Let’s explore what makes a shape a rectangle or a square.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Materials to Copy
- Centimeter Dot Paper - Standard
Required Preparation
Activity 1:
- Each group of 2 needs a set of Flat Shape Cards from a previous lesson.
Activity 2:
- Each group of 2 needs a set of Flat Shape Cards from the previous activity.
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 20 min |
| Activity 2 | 15 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
What evidence have students given that they can distinguish between defining and non-defining attributes?
Print Formatted Materials
Teachers with a valid work email address can click here to register or sign in for free access to Cool Down, Teacher Guide, and PowerPoint materials.
| Student Task Statements | docx | |
| Lesson Cover Page | docx | |
| Cool Down | Log In | |
| Teacher Guide | Log In | |
| Teacher Presentation Materials | docx | |
| Blackline Masters | zip |