Teacher: Miss Kuhn

Date: Monday, October 16, 2014

Grade: 1
Title of Activity: Create-a-Shape Math Center
Common Core State Standard: CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.2: Compose twodimensional shapes or three-dimensional shapes to create a composite shape, and
compose new shapes from the composite shapes
Student Learning Objective:
Students will be able to compose shapes to create a composite shape through
small group instruction to successfully create a rhombus, trapezoid, or hexagon.
Anticipatory Set:
Hi friends! Today we have a new, fun math exploration center. Listen very
carefully to the directions because everyone will be able to explore at this center.
We have three shapes: rhombus, trapezoid, and hexagon. We will be using pattern
blocks to creatively fill in our composite shape. Can anyone give me an example
of a rhombus, trapezoid or hexagon you have seen in our classroom? [Students
respond] Great! Groups 1, 2, 3 can go to the whiteboard to see their center jobs.
Instructional Strategies:
Center instruction
Small group instruction
Vocabulary Terms:
Rhombus
Trapezoid
Hexagon
Materials, resources, technology:
Outlines of rhombus/trapezoid/hexagon
Examples of each pattern block (printed from online with the correct size and
color): square, triangle, trapezoid, small rhombus, hexagon, and rhombus
Mini flip books showing the written name of each shape and an outline of the
shape on the inside
Pattern blocks
Activities:
Activity 1, Create-a-Shape flipbook: Students will be shown six cut out shapes that are
the same size and color of pattern blocks. They will be shown an orange square, green
triangle, red trapezoid, white small rhombus, yellow hexagon, and blue rhombus. They
will then be asked to recall the name of each of the shapes. This will be reinforced by the
flipbooks we create together. A slip of paper with the written name of the shape on the

outside and an outline of the shape on the inside flap will be given to each student. Next,
students will be asked to create their own flipbooks by gluing each shape into the proper
outline. They will repeat this process with each shape. The teacher will reinforce the
shapes to the students by asking for the names of the shapes as they are gluing them into
their flap.
Activity 2, Shape Play: Students will be given three large outlines: rhombus, trapezoid,
hexagon. They will then be given pattern blocks. Students will fill in the larger outline
with the pattern blocks. The teacher will encourage students to try to use more than one
pattern block shape and will ask for students to demonstrate the way they created their
shape using pattern blocks.
Closure:
(To be directed by the teacher before students leave the math center.) Matt chose
a very creative way to fill his hexagon. Matt, can you show your friends your
shape? [Student shows work] Great! Can someone tell me one shape that makes
up Matts hexagon? [Students list all shapes] Yes, there are rhombi, trapezoids,
and triangles. Did anyone else use a trapezoid to make up your composite shape?
[Students respond] Did anyone have a composite shape different than a hexagon?
[Students respond] Thanks for being such awesome math explorers today!
Accommodations for Special Learners:
Visual learners: Students will visually see the shapes in their shape flipbook.
Auditory learners: Students will hear the names of each shape as they create their
shape flipbook.
Tactile learners: Students are able physically engage with the pattern blocks.
Students who do not stay on task: These students will use the hands-on pattern
blocks to encourage engagement.
English Language Learners: Students can refer to the shape booklet for
vocabulary terms and visuals. They will benefit from participating in a group
setting with other learners.
Assessment:
Informal: Each student will be asked to create his or her final shape with no
assistance from the teacher. The teacher will go around and observe student work
by asking questions.
Informal checklist:
o Student can explain how they created their shape Y/N
o Student can name what shape they created Y/N
o Student can name what pattern blocks they used to make their composite
shape Y/N