Year 3 - What has 2 pairs of parallel sides of unequal length and no right angles?

This type of question will be really familiar to the children in Year 3, as our focus in maths this week has been 2D shapes. The children have been working on using the correct mathematical language to describe and categorise shapes, with vocabulary that includes parallel, quadrilateral, regular, irregular, polygon, acute, obtuse and right angle. Why not ask your child to tell you what each of these terms means. The children have used a variety of methods to help them develop their understanding of the language and use it in the correct context and manner. This has included making shapes on geoboards, with elastic bands to creating shapes out of paper to be categorised.

To support this work at home you could go on a shape hunt, either when you are out and about, or at home. The children may even like to take photos of shapes that they find. You could also encourage the children to make shapes, that fulfil a set criteria, out of plasticine, lego or other construction toys, using the vocabulary they have learnt in class. Also, try asking your children whether a square is a rectangle and get them to explain their answer!