The study of geometric properties and relationships between them makes up the Discipline of Geometry. Recognizing and describing simple geometric properties, in addition to forming spatial perceptions and developing problem-solving abilities, are among the initial steps toward being proficient in Geometry. The properties of geometric shapes are present everywhere and you can observe them in everything around you.

Common Shapes and Their Descriptions

1. Circle

• * The perfect roundness is an exact circle; all points along the circumference are at the identical distance from the center.
• * Examples of a Circle would be a clock face, coins, and pizzas.

2. Square

• * A square is a 4-sided shape known as a “quadrilateral,” since it has four equal length sides along with a total of 4 right angles (90°).
• * The examples of a square include boxes used in checkerboard games (e.g. chess), window panes, and sticky notes

3. Triangle

• * Definition: A triangle consists of three angles and is typically defined as a three-sided figure (since all three angles must equal 180°). Triangles come in a variety of forms based on side lengths and angle relationships; examples of triangle types include equilateral (equal-length sides), isosceles (two equal-length sides), and scalene (no equal sides).
• * Example Trilateral Shapes:
  * Slice Of Pizza
  * Yield Sign (road sign)
  * Roofs Of Houses

4. Rectangle

• * Definition: A quadrilateral has two pairs of equal length opposite sides, eight angles make four right angles (orthogonal to one another), and is not required to have same length sides, like square quadrilaterals. In general, A rectangle is an example of a quadrilateral with opposite side and angle pairs equal. Quadrilaterals include:
• * Door
  * Cell Phone Screen
  * Book

5. Oval (Ellipse)

• * Definition: A shape that resembles a circle but is stretched out in both directions. It is more rounded at the centre and pointy at the ends.
• * Examples:
   * Eggs
   * Athletic tracks
   * Balloons

6. Diamond (Rhombus)

• * Definition: A four-sided shape that is equal on all four sides and is not right-angled (like a square that has been rotated).
• * Examples:
   * Kites
   * Playing card diamonds
   * Bases on a baseball field

7. Star

• * Definition: An object that has several points on it (generally five or six) that extend from its centre.
  Examples:
   – Starfish
   – Stars in the sky (i.e. ★)
   – Star ornaments that are used for decoration

8. Heart

• * Definition: A representation of a shape, which consists of two rounded pieces at the ends with a pointed end.
  Examples:
  – Valentine heart (❤️)
  – Heart-shaped chocolate
  – Emoji symbols

9. Cube

A cube refers to a solid object having six square-shaped sides (the six squares can also be referred to as faces) of equal dimension.

Rubik’s Cube is an example of a cube; other examples include the most commonly used game, die (dice).

10. Sphere

A Sphere is a perfectly round 3D object (no edges or corners). A basketball, a globe, and a marble are examples of spheres.

11. Cylinder

A Cylinder is a solid object with two circular bases and a curved surface. Examples of cylinders are soda cans and rolls of paper towels.

12. Prism

A Prism is a solid object with two identical-shaped flat surfaces (triangles, rectangles, or hexagons) and rectangular-shaped sides.

Examples: A rectangular prism is a box of tissues. A triangular prism is a Toblerone box.

13. Pyramid

A pyramid refers to a solid object having a flat surface (the base) and triangular-shaped walls that meet at a single point. Examples of pyramids are the Egyptian pyramids and party hats.

Fun Activities to Learn Shapes

1. Exploring shapes: search the home for things that are a specific shape.
2. Sketching & coloring shapes.
3. Building shapes with toys such as LEGO.
4. Educational Apps for Digital Devices that help kids recognize shapes.