Year 2 - Maths
Discuss and compare polygons
Shape: discuss and compare 2D and 3D shapes
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn that polygons can be described, sorted, compared and named according to the number of sides and vertices. They will describe 3D shapes, finding different ways to sort and compare them.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to discuss and compare the shape and size of polygons, and the vertices of polygons.
Key Notes
- Polygons can be compared by looking at their properties such as number of sides or vertices.
- The space inside polygons can be described using informal language such as long, thin, short, wide, larger and smaller.
- The vertices of a polygon can be described and compared using informal language such as sharp, pointy, wide and large.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Larger: A larger shape is one that takes up more space than another.
- Smaller: A smaller shape is one that takes up less space than another.
- Compare: You compare to find out what is the same and what is different.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may think that a shape must be larger because it is wider or longer than another shape, or that the smallest shape should always be the shortest or narrowest.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Polygons can be compared by looking at their properties such as number of sides or vertices. The space inside polygons can be described using informal language such as long, thin, short, wide, larger and smaller.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Larger'
A larger shape is one that takes up more space than another. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may think that a shape must be larger because it is wider or longer than another shape, or that the smallest shape should always be the shortest or narrowest. Correction: Encourage children to focus on the amount of space that a shape takes up. Explore cutting up shapes and manipulating them so that they have the same width or length to help children see which is the largest or smallest shape overall.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Describe and name 3D shapes Study Guide
- Describe and name 3d shapes – prisms and pyramids Study Guide
- Describe and name polygons, including triangles and quadrilaterals Study Guide
- Describe, name and sort polygons, including pentagons, hexagons and octagons Study Guide
- Discuss and compare 3D shapes Study Guide
- Find different ways to sort 3D shapes Study Guide
- Investigate how polygons can be joined and folded to form 3D shapes Study Guide
- Lines of symmetry Study Guide
- Recognise and sort polygons Study Guide
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