After introducing students to polygons as a subset of plane shapes, students in Ms. Frey's and Ms. Schmidt's second grade classes used Kidspiration to complete a Frayer model. Frayer models, like the ones shown here that include definition, characteristics, examples and non-examples, are useful in math in general, but especially in geometry. The Frayer model encourages concept and vocabulary attainment in a unit that is often full of unfamiliar and confusing terms.

In these examples, the definition of polygons is given to the students. The students fill in characteristics and then draw or paste examples of polygons and non-examples.

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Indicators

2.2.1.1 describe and classify plane and solid geometric shapes (circle, triangle, square, rectangle, sphere, pyramid, and rectangular prism) according to such attributes as the number and shape of faces, edges, and vertices.

2.3.1.1 identify, describe, and classify polygons, including pentagons, hexagons, and octagons.