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Year 1 - Maths

Tetrominoes and pentominoes

Recognise, compose, decompose and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will compose, copy, extend and develop repeating and radiating patterns. They will explore, discuss and compare 3D and 2D shapes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore, discuss and compare tetrominoes and pentominoes.

Key Notes

  • Four connected squares make a tetromino, and five connected squares make a pentomino.
  • The five possible tetrominoes can be explored, discussed and compared.
  • The 12 possible pentominoes can be explored, discussed and compared.
  • Tetrominoes and pentominoes can be rotated and flipped.
  • A particular tetromino or pentomino can be transformed into another by moving some of the squares.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Arrangement: The way something is organised.
  • Tetromino: An arrangement of four connected squares.
  • Pentomino: An arrangement of five connected squares.
  • Rotate: To spin around.
  • Flip: To reflect in a mirror line.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Might not recognise that the arrangement is still the same when it has been rotated or flipped.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Four connected squares make a tetromino, and five connected squares make a pentomino. The five possible tetrominoes can be explored, discussed and compared.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Arrangement'

The way something is organised. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Might not recognise that the arrangement is still the same when it has been rotated or flipped. Correction: Allow plenty of opportunity to explore practically and model rotating, flipping and comparing arrangements.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 Maths guide library.