# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching 2D and 3D Shapes in First Grade: Part 1 2D Shapes Activities - Happy Hearts in 1st

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hi friend! I don’t know about you, but I love teaching 2D and 3D shapes in 1st grade! Teaching first grade geometry has so many opportunities for hands-on exploration and…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Geometry Activities for Elementary Students - Will Teach For Tacos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Geometry is one of my favorite units to teach! There are so many opportunities to get crafty and creative! These engaging geometry projects, games, and worksheets will have your students classifying 2D shapes in no time! These are the best geometry activities for elementary students. Geo-ART-metry I almost always start my geometry unit with some … Geometry Activities for Elementary Students Read More »

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you noticed how triangles can be a bit of a math maze for our students? I mean, equilateral, isosceles, scalene - it's like they've entered a geometric wonderland without a compass! I have felt this way time and again, so I set out to create a tool to help break down the different types of triangles in a memorable way for my students. I'm excited to share with you my student-approved Types of Triangles Math Wheel Guided Notes! It's the treasure map your students need to navigate the triangle jungle. With color-coded notes, practice problems scattered around the wheel, and a graphic organizer that breaks down and organizes the different types, you'll be turning confusion into a full-blown math adventure. Get ready for those "Aha!" moments that turn the triangle saga from puzzling to downright fun!

What Are Math Doodle Wheels?

I'm standing at the front of my class and all I see are blank stares, math nerves, and a whole bunch of "I'd-rather-be-anywhere-else" vibes. My students were going through the motions of note-taking, but it was clear, the info wasn't sticking. That's when the lightbulb moment happened, and Math Doodle Wheels were born!

I wanted notes to be more than just a checkmark on the to-do list. I wanted them to be a trusty sidekick, a go-to guide during units and review sessions.

So, I crafted these wheels where math concepts are broken down into bite-size sections of the wheel, vocab gets its VIP definition moment, and each step is practiced with examples. Plus, there's space for some extra practice. The secret? We're color-coding and doodling symbols as we go to help them remember the steps and vocabulary. Suddenly, note-taking became an art, and my kiddos enjoyed it and used these notes as tools.

To learn more about Doodle Wheels and their versatility, check out Transform Your Upper Elementary or Middle School Math Class with this Unique Note-Taking Method!

How I Teach Types of Triangles

We're diving headfirst into the world of triangles, and it all begins right at the heart of our Types of Triangles Math Wheel. I gather my students around, and we start chatting about the six main players in the triangle game - equilateral, scalene, acute, obtuse, right, and isosceles. Now, here's the math magic. No matter how different these triangles are, their angles always add up to 180°. I have my students write that 180° right in the center of our wheel to be a constant reminder.

With the center complete, I kick off the grand tour of the wheel. The first thing we discuss is that there are two ways we can classify triangles. We can classify them by their sides and we can classify them by their angles. To keep this in mind, we tackle the three types of triangles classified by their sides first, then we move on to the three types of triangles classified by angles. With that explanation, we have now taken 6 types of triangles and grouped them into two groups of three and made them a little easier to understand.

Sections of the Types of Triangles

Equilateral Triangle

I explain that this triangle is known for having three equal sides, which we jot down in that section. I draw three hash marks, one on each leg of the triangle, to show that they are equal.

To give them an example of number measurements, I write 6 meters on all three sides. I like starting with equilateral because it's the least intimidating since all three sides are the same measurements.

Scalene Triangle

Now, onto the scalene triangle.

I kind of think of it as the rebel of the triangle crew. It's the complete opposite of our equilateral triangle because it plays by its own rules with no equal sides.

We fill in the blank in our notes section. Then, it's example time. I draw my trusty triangle and label it with the following measurements: 5 cm on the short leg, 7 cm on the top leg, and 10 cm on the bottom leg. Why? To show my students how each side has its unique length.

Isosceles Triangle

Now, we wrap up our note-taking adventure with the isosceles triangle.

An isosceles triangle is all about the buddy system, boasting two equal sides. In our triangle example, I draw single hash marks on the left and right legs because they're equal measurements. I label both legs with 4 feet, emphasizing their equal status. Now, I draw two hash marks on the bottom leg, signaling that its measurements are playing solo. I label 6 feet for the bottom leg, driving home the point that it's not on the equal side with the left and right legs.

Acute Triangle

Next up is the acute triangle. I walk my students through jotting down the key detail that all three angles inside an acute triangle are less than 90°.

I draw two examples to show my students a couple of different scenarios they may encounter. In the first triangle, I sketch a curved line at each corner, representing an angle, and drop 60° in each. We add each of the three angles, each at 60°, sum up to 180°, sealing the deal that triangles have a total of 180° inside.

I draw another triangle to explain that acute triangles won't always have the same angle measurements. In this second one, I draw those curved lines again and jot down 70°, 60°, and 50° in the corners. Quick adding by my eager students confirms the angles total to 180°.

Obtuse Triangle

In our next section, we dive into the world of the obtuse triangle.

For a triangle to earn the "obtuse" badge, it needs to boast one obtuse angle, meaning one angle must be greater than 90°.

In my example, I draw an obtuse triangle.

I draw the curved line to represent the angle in the top angle inside the triangle and write 120°.

We talk about how we can check that this is obtuse by noting how it's a number larger than 90.

Right Triangle

We move to the right triangle section.

We review what makes a right angle, which is when a 90° angle is formed at the intersection of two perpendicular lines. I have my students write down that one angle must measure 90°. Then, in the triangle, we practice drawing the square symbol where the two lines intersect to represent 90°.

What's Next?

Once we wrap up our note-taking session, it's time to put our knowledge to the test by tackling the examples scattered around the math doodle wheel.

I pre-select a few examples, modeling to my students my thought process and reasonings for classifying which triangles to which measurements. After a couple of examples, I give the steering wheel to my students. They become the teacher and start leading me through the steps for a few examples. Then, I partner them up to complete the remaining practice examples. I set a timer so we have time to check their answers and talk through their reasoning.

After conquering those practice problems, I give my math enthusiasts a little artistic freedom. They go back into their notes, adding splashes of color and extra symbols to etch the differences between the triangles into their memory. It's a personal touch that not only triggers those "aha" moments but also makes math feel like a comfortable space. The math doodle wheel isn't about bombarding them with gibberish and 50 problems. It's all about breaking the skill into bite-sized chunks, creating a handy reference tool that'll be their math companion throughout the year!

More Resources for Types of Triangles

Once I complete notes with my students, I want them to be applying what they have learned. If you don't use it, you lose it, right? When I am planning practice activities, I want to make sure they are interactive and allow everyone to have a seat at the table. Math anxiety is real! It's important to be aware of all the emotions your kiddos may be feeling when it comes to math. With that in mind, I have included some types of triangle activities that have students practicing the skills in a collaborative, low-intensity manner.

Classifying Triangles Footloose Math Task Cards Activity and Math Wheel

An awesome classroom activity I use with my students to review types of triangles and to get them up and moving is my Types of Triangles Footloose cards.

Footloose isn't just your typical sit-and-listen routine. I hand out these cards, and suddenly, we're not just classifying triangles by sides and angles.

We take it a step further by finding those missing angles and sides like geometry detectives. Sometimes, alarms go off in my students' heads when they discover a missing angle.

We pull out our math doodle wheels and remind ourselves that all three angles within a triangle equal the grand number of 180!

I tend to shake up the delivery of the task cards because sometimes I have them posted around the classroom ahead of time. Then they travel around to each card with a partner to solve and record answers on their paper.

With that being said, Footloose isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. You can roll it out for the whole class, turn your class into an interactive experience, use it in small groups, or throw it into center rotations. It's flexible, it's fun, and it's got the whole class moving!

Triangles Color by Number Activity Missing Angles and Sides

My Triangles Color by Number activity is a low-intensity math activity for different types of angles and missing angles with a dash of color. Students solve problems while turning their answers into masterpieces!

My students tackle 20 problems that dive deep into triangle types. Problems range from finding missing side lengths and angle measures to calculating the perimeter of triangles. Instead of the usual pencil and paper routine, they find their solutions on a coloring sheet/section.

I love using this resource for many reasons, but one of my favorites is that it's self-checking! If their answer isn't on the coloring sheet, they know it's time for a quick math check. It's instant feedback that we know and love!

Plus, there are both print and digital versions available. I like flexibility, which is the name of the game for us teachers, so I wanted this resource to be flexible for your teaching style.

Classifying Triangles Math Game | Math Activity | Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare? I choose truth! I've got a game-changer for your next class or review session for identifying types of triangles that's as fun as it is educational.

I've crafted 36 question cards that'll turn your class into a buzz of excitement. It's not your average Q&A session because this one comes with a "truth" or "dare" twist!

I pull this Truth or Dare activity out for center time when I am working with small groups, will be out of the classroom, or for review sessions. My students love it when they see this activity on the schedule.

Your students dive into a world where they get to choose their fate.

Questions focus on the different triangle types (acute, obtuse, right, isosceles, equilateral, scalene) and essential concepts like the 180 degrees in a triangle.

They earn a 1-point "truth" for those classic true or false questions. If they're feeling daring, there are "dare" cards worth 2 or 3 points, throwing in some challenges. Think along the lines of finding missing angles or sides, explaining why a triangle is classified a certain way, or even determining if a shape can make the triangle cut based on angle measures or side lengths.

The beauty of this is it's not just a solo gig. Gather your kiddos in groups of 3-4, and let the game begin. Keep in mind the smaller groups mean more questions tackled by each student, meaning more practice!

Time to Teach Types of Triangles

Exploring types of triangles with the math doodle wheel makes note-taking into a masterpiece, it's all about transforming math anxiety into math excitement.

These resources are tools that keep on giving throughout the unit and year. The adventure continues with activities that have your mathematicians applying their skills through interactive activities like Footloose, Color by Number, and Truth or Dare. Get ready to witness "Aha!" moments, foster collaborative learning, and make math a destination worth exploring.

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board so you can quickly come back when you are planning your types of triangles lessons!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make learning types of triangles approachable and interactive with math doodle guided notes! Students will digest information with ease!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I love teaching area and perimeter! These geometry concepts lend themselves to some really fun hands-on activities, which is something I always enjoy!
Here are some of my favorite activities to teach area and perimeter:

1. Area and Perimeter Songs

2. Area and Perimeter Outdoor Game

I try to include movement throughout the day, whenever I can. This is a simple area and perimeter game that could be played either on a blacktop, in the gym, or on a grassy field. The important thing is that there is an obvious perimeter or boundary line around the outside of the square or rectangular area.

Start with several taggers in the middle of the center area. I usually use three but you can use as few or as many as you'd like. The rest of the class stands on the perimeter and walks in a clockwise direction. The teacher calls out (in a sing-song or goofy voice if you'd like) Perimeter... Perimeter... Perimeter... (randomly, as many times as you'd like). Then calls out, area!!! When the kids hear the word area, they have to go across the area to the other side, while being careful NOT to bump into anyone else. If a student is tagged while in the area, he/she becomes IT and will try to tag kids on the next turn. The tagger then moves to the perimeter. Once kids make it to the perimeter, they are safe.

Playing this game is a great way to help those kids who still have trouble remembering the difference between the area and the perimeter, no matter how many times we remind them!

3. Cheez-It or Rice Chex Exploration

Since this activity involves food, you'll want to make sure to check on any school guidelines regarding food before proceeding. Also, since some kids have food allergies, that's something else to consider. If kids have wheat, soy, or dairy allergies, Rice Chex may be used instead of Cheez-Its.

To prepare for this activity, I have the Cheez-Its or Rice Chex counted out ahead of time and placed in baggies to make it quick and easy to pass these out. Giving each child a quick squirt of hand sanitizer before starting is a great idea too!

Next, you'll want to have each child cover his/her desktop (or most of it) with paper to keep the Cheez-Its clean. This is when I grab the oldest/ugliest/most random colored construction paper found in the bottom of my paper drawer since the paper is not as important as the activity. Newsprint is pretty cheap and works well too.

After we talk about how each Cheeze-It is a square unit, I ask the kids to build something with a perimeter of _____, or with an area of _____. Kids will come up with different answers for some of these, and we discuss how that's okay and that often times, several answers will be correct. Sometimes, I'll ask them to make a shape with a perimeter of 12 for example. Then I'll ask them to make a different shape with a perimeter of 12. Lots of learning taking place with this hands on lesson.

Right before we end the lesson, I ask the kids to make two different polygons and to write down the perimeter and area for each (next to the polygons). Then I walk around doing quick spot checks and once checked, the kids can eat their Cheeze-Its, and recycle their greasy paper.

4. Geoboards for Area and Perimeter

If you are lucky enough to have a class set of geoboards, now is a great time to use them. This activity is similar to the Cheeze-It activity. You can ask students to make a square with an area of 16, or make a polygon with a perimeter of 20. Triangles can also be made, although we know that going from one peg to another diagonally is not exactly the same length as going vertically or horizontally from one peg to another. It's up to you if you want to include triangles or to stick with squares and rectangles.

After we've done lots of examples together, one thing I do like to do at the end of this lesson is to have kids create two shapes. One is strictly for perimeter, so it can be any shape. The other should be a square or rectangle so the area can be easily determined. After each student creates two shapes on his/her geoboard, he/she trades geoboards with a partner, who tries to solve the perimeter and area of the other person's shapes. This gives kids added practice and sometimes a little help or confirmation from another classmate.

Most kids LOVE seeing their names as art! Block Letter Names are a very simple activity but I do make sure to have kids work in pairs or small groups of threes since sometimes making letters without using diagonals can be tricky. You may have a few kids who are ready and able to use diagonals to find perimeter and area, which is great, but is a much more advanced activity!

To make the Block Letter Names, each child lightly traces his/her name in pencil on graph paper. Next, students find the area and perimeter, since it's easier to count now, before the paper is colored. Kids can make tiny dots as they count, or even just lightly touching the squares helps some kids keep track of numbers better. Scratch paper or small whiteboards can also be used to keep a running total of each letter. Once all letters are calculated, it's time to total them and to record the area and perimeter at the bottom of the page. Next, the letters are traced in marker and colored in with either crayons, colored pencils, or markers.

6. Tape Squares or Rectangle Shapes on the Floor

You can use masking tape or painter's tape for this activity. You'll want to measure these carefully as you create them, so the answer is clear (no fourths or halves for example, unless your students are ready for this). You'll also want to make a key as you go. Do make sure to add either a number or letter to each shape, so kids can keep track of them when recording answers.

After explaining the activity, making sure to model an example for them, it's time to get started. I would suggest putting kids in pairs to work on this activity with clipboards, record sheets (even binder paper works for this), and pencils.

When kids are done, early finishers might make a page in their math notebooks with the perimeter and area of real objects in their desks (pencil box, book, notebook...) or around the room (top of the Kleenex box, top of the desk, a rectangular basket...). An enrichment idea for early finishers is to give the area and perimeter of a mystery object in the classroom. Kids can measure different objects in the classroom to try to find that mystery object!

7. Make a Robot, Monster, Person, Animal, or Any Kind of Object and Find its Area and Perimeter

You could have the whole class do the same thing (for example, all create people) or you could make it a wide-open assignment. The idea is that kids use graph paper and design an object using squares (and half squares if your kids are ready). Kids figure out the area and the perimeter of the shape and then color the squares in the object . Besides being a great learning activity, these are also fun to display on a bulletin board!

8. Design a Dream House, Zoo, Carnival, Playground, or Any Place and Find its Area and Perimeter

This is similar to the object activity, but a little more advanced. Again, you could assign the whole class the same project, or throw out some ideas and let kids choose one or come up with their own. I can see students possibly designing video game lands for example, and why not? As long as they are practicing area and perimeter, to me, that's fine. All you need for this activity is graph paper, rulers, pencils, and colored pencils or crayons to add some color.

9. Play the Land Grab Game

This game is easily played with graph paper, a pair of dice, and two different colored crayons or colored pencils. Kids play in pairs. The first person rolls the dice. One dice is the length and the other is the width (it doesn't matter which one is which for this game). The first player multiplies the numbers on the dice and makes a rectangle with that area on the graph paper, using their color (one of the two colored pencils/crayons). For example, if he/she rolls a five and a four, he/she makes a rectangle with an area of 20. He/she also writes the total area inside the shape. Players take turns until the time is up or there is no more room on the page. Players then add their areas (I would suggest a calculator if time is limited) and the person with the greatest area wins.

Here are two books which are especially good for teaching area and perimeter:

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All: A Mathematical Story by Marilyn Burns is written specifically to get kids thinking about the perimeter and area of tables, as family is coming over to visit Mr. and Mrs. Comfort!

Kid will enjoy Perimeter, Area, and Volume by David Adler, with its movie and monsters theme! Kids can figure out the perimeter of the set, the area of the movie screen, and later if you teach volume, they can calculate the volume of your popcorn box!

11. Area and Perimeter Task Cards

One of my favorite ways to reinforce learning is by using task cards! Kids get concentrated practice in a format they love! Besides using them as centers, playing Scoot, or doing a scavenger hunt (where cards are placed around the room and kids walk around solving them) it's especially fun to pair the task cards with a board game. Find out more details about how to add board games to your task cards set here: How to Use Task Cards with Board Games

Here are some of my favorite task cards for area and perimeter and their links:

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you found some helpful ideas here, please pin this post or share it with a teacher friend!
For more ideas and strategies focused on upper elementary, be sure to sign up for The Teacher Next Door's free email newsletter and right HERE. Bonus, you'll also gain access to my FREE Resource Library which contains exclusive upper elementary freebies that you won't find anywhere else!

I'd love to connect with you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An Upper Elementary Collaborative blog written by 13 teachers. Includes teaching ideas and resources for grades 3, 4, and 5.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students.Geometry activities for elementary students can include plenty of fun hands-on ideas like an art project that reviews geometry terms at the same time. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro. I am bringing you a simple art project. In addition to lots of other fun geometry activities and terms to go over with your child, you can use them for the art project, make flashcards, and more.