Figure or shape? For so long we have called them 3D shapes. My principal met with us last week after hearing a lady from TEA share this story:
I observed a teacher teach a great interactive lesson about 3D shapes. It was very hands-on, the students were very engaged, and they had a solid understanding. After the lesson, I asked the teacher if I could ask a student a question. Of course she replied yes because she was confident in what her students knew. I proceeded to ask a student if they could tell me the difference between a 3D figure and a 2D figure. The student replied, “What is a figure?”
First of all, let’s all think about how NERVOUS we would be if someone from TEA was observing our lesson. Secondly, can you imagine how you would feel if the TEA called you out on not using the right vocabulary?
I left the meeting and said to myself, “Well, I better change my teaching vocabulary this week!”
“Figure” is it!
I wanted to give you a peak at my new unit, “Shape” It Up! It has been fun to create.
I used half of it last week with my first grade friends. They LOVED the figure poems. We sang them all to the tune that the popular coin poems are sung to. We also created the attribute bendy book!
This unit is structured a lot like my Money unit. So if you liked that a lot, I know you’ll love “Shape” It Up!
I will give it away to one lucky winner! Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me if you teach with the word “shape” or “figure”! 🙂 Don’t forget to leave your email address, too! I will pick a winner Sunday afternoon.
I’m a K-1 teacher who is passionate about making lessons your students love and that are easy to implement for teachers. Helping teachers like you navigate their way through their literacy block brings me great joy. I am a lifelong learner who loves staying on top of current literacy learning and practices. Here, you’ll find the tools you need to move your K-2 students forward!
19 Responses
I follow your blog. Up till now I was using shape but now I am going to talk to my teammates about using figure.
Ruthanne [email protected]
I follow your blog. I have always taught it as shape since that is what our math curriculum uses. I might have to think about introducing both terms to the students…they can handle that – right!?!?
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YES! I completely agree! I think they need to know both terms, too!
I have always used shapes… Guess some re-training is going to occur! 🙂 [email protected]
I follow your blog and LOVE your TPT store…especially those CSCOPE aligned items!
I am a first year teacher and I have only used the term shape so far! I am glad you posted this because now I caught my mistake early! I will for sure start using figure as well. I love how you used the term figure in this packet. It must be so frustrating knowing your students know the material but they can’t answer the question just because a term threw them off.
Thank you for sharing!
Amanda Craig
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You are so kind!! Thanks so much! 🙂 P.S. I went to college with a gal who had your name! How funny! 🙂
I generally have used plane shape (2-D) and solid figure (3-D). I do try to use both terms just so that students get used to the different vocabulary. In a testing grade, especially (3rd), I really try to use different terms (character traits/ characteristics, etc.).
I didn’t know one was “correct,” but I think it’d be important to touch on both. Thanks for getting me thinking!
Jenny
Luckeyfrog’s Lilypad
I don’t think one is correct. I think one is more commonly seen on STAAR-type test. I think we need to use them both! Coming from an older grade level ALWAYS makes you a better teacher! When I taught Kinder, I always felt like a stronger teacher because I truly knew where my students needed to be! 🙂
I use both….shape the most! Add that better vocal to my to do list! Lol!
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Oh My! That would be scary with TEA! I seem to always say 2D shapes and 3D figures…. but hardly ever refer to 2D shapes as figures….hmmm… I better change it!!
Your packet looks great!!!
Jessica @ Wild About Firsties
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Yes! So scary! I’m so thankful that my school does not have TEA people observing all the time. The grass is NOT always greener! Thanks for your kind compliment! 🙂
Interesting…I never gave it much thought, but guess I am more of a 2d shape/3d figure. Would love a chance to win this so I can use the ‘correct’ terminology!
tokyoshoes (at) hotmail (dot) com
After 11 years, I guess I need to change and update my vocabulary! Your blog continues to educate me! THANK YOU!
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You are so sweet! 🙂
I follow your blog! Hmmm… I’ve always used “shapes” in my teaching!
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I have always said shapes.
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This is such a good point!! I’ve always used shape but it’s time to start using the word figure interchangeably!!
Ashley
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Flying High in First Grade
I would SO love this for when we start Cscope next year. Our math textbook consumables are not going to be purchased for us next year so we will be looking at math ALOT different.
Our curriculum uses the word “figure” but I like to interchange it with shape because they do look at you like “what is a figure?”.
Lindsay
For the Love of First Grade
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CSCOPE is definitely going to be a change for your team! In my 5 years of teaching, in 3 different districts, I have never used a math textbook or the consumables and my kids have always been a-okay!! You are FREE!!! 🙂 I hopped over to your blog and am follower number 99!!! You are SO close!! 🙂