Grade 1
  1. Numbers and Counting  1.1. Counting to 10  1.2. Counting to 20  1.3. Counting to 50  1.4. Counting to 100  1.5. Writing Numbers 1 to 10  1.6. Writing Numbers 1 to 20  1.7. Writing Numbers 1 to 50  1.8. Writing Numbers 1 to 100  1.9. Reading Numbers 1 to 10  1.10. Reading Numbers 1 to 20  1.11. Reading Numbers 1 to 50  1.12. Reading Numbers 1 to 100  1.13. Comparing Numbers  1.14. Ordering Numbers  1.15. Odd and Even Numbers  1.16. Number Patterns  1.17. Skip Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s  1.18. Understanding Zero
  2. Basic Addition and Subtraction  2.1. Understanding Addition  2.2. Addition Facts within 10  2.3. Addition Facts within 20  2.4. Adding Zero  2.5. Adding One More  2.6. Adding Two More  2.7. Adding Three More  2.8. Adding Using Pictures  2.9. Addition Word Problems  2.10. Understanding Subtraction  2.11. Subtraction Facts within 10  2.12. Subtraction Facts within 20  2.13. Subtracting Zero  2.14. Subtracting One  2.15. Subtracting Two  2.16. Subtraction Using Pictures  2.17. Subtraction Word Problems  2.18. Introduction to Doubles Facts  2.19. Introduction to Making 10
  3. Place Value and Number Sense  3.1. Understanding Tens and Ones  3.2. Counting by Tens  3.3. Place Value within 20  3.4. Place Value within 50  3.5. Place Value within 100  3.6. Reading and Writing Two-Digit Numbers  3.7. Comparing Two-Digit Numbers  3.8. Decomposing Numbers
  4. Measurement  4.1. Length  4.1.1. Comparing Lengths  4.1.2. Measuring with Non-Standard Units  4.1.3. Using Standard Units (Inches and Centimeters) in Length  4.2. Weight  4.2.1. Comparing Weights  4.2.2. Heavy and Light Objects  4.2.3. Introduction to Grams and Pounds  4.3. Capacity  4.3.1. Comparing Capacity  4.3.2. Full and Empty  4.3.3. Introduction to Liters and Milliliters  4.4. Time  4.4.1. Telling Time to the Hour  4.4.2. Telling Time to the Half Hour  4.4.3. Days of the Week  4.4.4. Months of the Year  4.4.5. Understanding Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow  4.5. Money  4.5.1. Recognizing Coins  4.5.2. Counting Coins  4.5.3. Introduction to Dollar and Cents Symbols  4.5.4. Simple Addition and Subtraction with Money
  5. Geometry  5.1. 2D Shapes  5.1.1. Recognizing 2D Shapes  5.1.2. Drawing 2D Shapes  5.1.3. Naming 2D Shapes  5.1.4. Properties of 2D Shapes  5.1.5. Sorting 2D Shapes  5.1.6. Composing Simple Shapes  5.2. 3D Shapes  5.2.1. Recognizing 3D Shapes  5.2.2. Naming 3D Shapes  5.2.3. Properties of 3D Shapes  5.2.4. Sorting 3D Shapes  5.3. Position and Direction  5.3.1. Left and Right  5.3.2. Above and Below  5.3.3. Inside and Outside  5.3.4. Near and Far  5.3.5. In Front and Behind
  6. Patterns and Sorting  6.1. Recognizing Patterns  6.2. Extending Patterns  6.3. Creating Patterns  6.4. Sorting by Color  6.5. Sorting by Shape  6.6. Sorting by Size
  7. Data and Graphing  7.1. Introduction to Data  7.2. Collecting Data  7.3. Tally Marks  7.4. Bar Graphs  7.5. Picture Graphs  7.6. Interpreting Simple Graphs
  8. Fractions  8.1. Understanding Halves  8.2. Understanding Fourths  8.3. Dividing Shapes into Equal Parts  8.4. Identifying Equal and Unequal Parts

Grade 1 → Geometry → 2D Shapes ↓


Composing Simple Shapes


Composing simple shapes is all about creating new shapes by putting basic shapes together. When you learn this, it helps you see that larger shapes can be made from smaller shapes. This is important not only in art and design but also in math. In this explanation, we will talk about how to create simple shapes using the very basic 2D shapes that first grade students learn about.

Basic 2D shapes

Before we start drawing shapes, let's look at some basic 2D shapes. In 2D or two-dimensional shapes, we have shapes like these:

  • circle
  • square
  • triangle
  • rectangle

Each of these shapes looks different and has its own characteristics. Let's briefly describe them:

Circle

A circle is a circular figure that has no corners or edges. Every point on its edge is the same distance from the center.

Square

A square has four sides of equal length and four corners that are right angles.

Triangle

A triangle has three sides. There are many types of triangles, but the simplest is the equilateral triangle, in which all sides are the same length.

Rectangle

A rectangle has four sides and four right angles, but the opposite sides are equal in length. It is like a stretched square.

Creating shapes

Now that we know our basic shapes, let's learn how we can create new shapes by joining them together. This is called building shapes. It's like playing with building blocks!

Example 1: Two squares

Imagine you have two squares. You can put them together to make a long rectangle.

In this example, two squares combine to form a rectangle. This new shape, the rectangle, is made up of two smaller square shapes.

Example 2: Square and two triangles

If you have a square and two triangles, you can arrange them like this:

The triangles run along the left and right sides of the square, creating an interesting new shape that is wide and resembles a house.

Example 3: Triangle and rectangle

By placing a triangle on top of a rectangle, we can create a new shape that looks like a house:

Here, the triangle serves as the roof, and the rectangle is the main body of the house. This shows how simple shapes can be combined to create things we see around us everyday.

Why drawing shapes is important

Drawing shapes is important for several reasons:

  • Fundamentals of understanding geometry: Learning how larger shapes are made up of smaller shapes makes it easier to understand geometry in the future.
  • Improves spatial awareness: It helps children understand how different parts work together to form a whole object.
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills: As children learn to fit different shapes together as they solve puzzles, they enhance their problem-solving abilities.

Activities to practice drawing shapes

To get better at drawing shapes, try these fun activities:

Tangrams

Use tangram pieces to create different shapes. Tangrams are geometric puzzles made up of seven pieces that you can arrange to form a square, a triangle, or even more complex shapes, such as animals or people.

Pattern block

Pattern blocks are another great activity. These are different shaped blocks (squares, triangles, hexagons, etc.) that children can use to create intricate designs and shapes.

Cut and paste

Cut out different basic shapes from paper and see what new shapes you can create by sticking them on the board.

Conclusion

Constructing simple shapes helps children understand geometry visually and practically. Using basic shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles, students can create and understand new shapes and forms. These exercises not only build foundational skills in math but also enhance creativity, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

As children progress in their educational journey, these simple exercises in constructing shapes serve as the building blocks for more complex geometric concepts. Encouraging the practice and exploration of this skill will give them the ability to see and understand the world more clearly through the language of shapes.


Grade 1 → 5.1.6


U
username
0%
completed in Grade 1

← Prev (5.1.5)
Sorting 2D Shapes
Next (5.2) →
3D Shapes

Comments 



Composing Simple Shapes

https://www.buddymath.com/g1/5.1.6?bmal=en