Hillsborough County Public Schools Elementary Mathematics Parent Connection

Grade 3 – Unit 4: Two-Dimensional Shapes

In this unit your child will work to build an understanding of the following:

Classifying and Identifying Attributes of Polygons o They will also be asked to classify, name, sort, and compare quadrilaterals. o Your child will identify attributes of polygons. They will classify

and name the polygons based on those attributes. Attributes used to describe and sort polygons may include: number of sides, number of angles, and if it’s an open or closed figure.

o Your child will identify right angles and parallel sides. o Precise vocabulary should be used while communicating about the

properties and attributes of polygons. o Venn diagrams will be used to compare and contrast polygons, based on their attributes.

Classifying and Comparing Quadrilaterals o They will recognize that a quadrilateral must be a closed figure with four straight sides and begin to

notice characteristics of the angles and the relationship between opposite sides. o Through many experiences, your child will build and name quadrilaterals based on their attributes. o Your child should sort the quadrilaterals based on their attributes, not just the appearance of the

shape. o Attributes used to classify quadrilaterals include: number of sides (all quadrilaterals have four

sides), equal length sides, right angles, and pairs of parallel sides. o It is important for your child to recognize that some quadrilaterals can have more than one name

based on its attributes. For example, a square is also a rectangle and a rhombus. o Precise vocabulary should be used while communicating about the properties and attributes of

quadrilaterals. o Venn diagrams will be used to compare/contrast quadrilaterals based on their attributes.

Examples of quadrilaterals:

Name: Square Trapezoid Rhombus Rectangle 4 congruent sides 4 sides 4 congruent sides 4 sides (opposite sides are congruent)

Attributes: 4 right angles 4 angles 4 angles 4 right angles 2 pairs of parallel sides 1 pair of parallel sides 2 pairs of parallel sides 2 pairs of parallel sides

Sample tasks your child should be able to work through by the end of the unit:

Purposeful Practice you and your child may work on at home together:

Look for polygons in your own home. Ask your child to identify the attributes and name the polygon.

As you go to the grocery store, playground, and other local places, ask your child what polygons they see. Ask them if the polygon is a quadrilateral. Have them explain why or why not.

Create and identify different polygons/quadrilaterals using pretzel sticks. Represent the vertices with mini marshmallows.

Please note: Although many items may be three-dimensional, have your child look at the face of that object to identify the polygon faces. Example: door (inside or outside face), coffee mug (top rim of mug), window, soccer ball (pentagons on the ball), etc.

Ask your child questions about quadrilaterals, such as: o How is a rectangle different from a square? o How is a rhombus different from a square? o How can a square be a rectangle? o What do all quadrilaterals have in common?

Other Helpful Links: Interactive Websites for Identifying Polygons: http://www.math-play.com/polygon-or-not/polygon-or-not.html Interactive Websites for Identifying Quadrilaterals: http://www.xpmath.com/forums/arcade.php?do=play&gameid=84

Draw a polygon with 4 sides, 4 angles, and exactly one pair of

parallel sides. Name the figure.

If Mary drew a shape with 4 equal sides and 4 right angles, which shape would she have drawn? Explain your

thinking.

Check out the “Parent Quick Smarts” video by scanning the QR code or using the Internet link provided.

https://youtu.be/iXt9fOQ4oVI