Polygons Background Information for Teachers, Parents, and Caregivers

This page provides information to support educators and families in teaching K-3 students about polygons. It is designed to complement the Polygons topic on BrainPOP Jr.

Before exploring polygons, watch the Plane Shapes movie to review basic shapes, including circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles. Background information about basic shapes will prepare students for learning about polygons.

The movie describes the properties of a polygon: at least three sides, closed shape, and straight lines. Children also discover what types of shapes are  NOT polygons, such as ones with curved sides or shapes that are open. They learn that the point where the lines of a polygon meet is called a vertex. The bulk of the movie focuses on the different types of polygons starting with triangles and ending with the nine-sided nonagon, and real-life examples of each–such as a honeycomb (hexagon) and a stop sign (octagon).  

Encourage children to notice polygons everywhere: signs, buildings, books, etc. Invite them to look for polygons around the classroom, at home, at the park, and more.

For enrichment or extension, we recommend exploring other BrainPOP Jr. movies that explore the geometry, including Plane Shapes, Quadrilaterals, Congruent and Similar Shapes, and Solid Shapes.