Grade Levels: K-3

This lesson plan, adaptable for grades K-3, is built around the BrainPOP Jr. topic Congruent and Similar Shapes. Students will apply what they learn about this geometry concept with a physical activity.

Students will:

  1. Draw pairs of congruent shapes, similar shapes, and shapes that are neither congruent nor similar.
  2. Identify shapes through physical movements.

Materials:

  • Internet access for BrainPOP
  • Interactive whiteboard
  • A few small sheets of construction paper
  • Large sheets of construction paper for the whole class

Vocabulary:

congruent, figure, incongruent, similar, slide

Preparation:

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Display or hold up the small and large squares. Ask students how the two are alike and different. Help them recognize that both shapes have four sides. Lead them to understand that they are both squares, but they are different sizes because the lengths of each corresponding side are not the same.
  2. Now show the congruent rectangles. Explain that congruent figures have the same size and shape. Slide one rectangle on top of the other to emphasize that they are the same shape and size.
  3. Tell students that today they will watch a movie about similar and congruent shapes, like the ones you just showed them.  Show the movie Congruent and Similar Shapes to the whole class.
  4. After the movie, distribute the large sheets of paper to each student (this can also be done with students in pairs). Give students (or pair of students) the choice of drawing pairs of similar, congruent, or neither similar nor congruent shapes.
  5. Now take the whole class to big open space, such as outside or the gym. Show a pair of figures. If they are congruent, students should run to the left side. If they are similar, they should run to the right side. If the figures are neither congruent or similar, they can run in place in the middle. Repeat the activity with each pair of shapes, with the students who created the shapes holding them up.

Extension Activities:

Sort it Out!

Divide the class into small groups and have them draw and cut out figures. Encourage them to make congruent figures in addition to similar figures. They may want to use a ruler to help them draw. Encourage them to be creative with their figures. Can they draw a shape with nine sides? Can they draw a shape with curved and straight sides? To make congruent shapes, guide students to draw one shape, cut it out, and then trace it on a piece of paper and cut out the shape. Then have groups swap their figures and sort them into groups that are similar and groups that are congruent. Allow time for group members to check over each other’s work.