Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Welcome, Grade 1 learners! This week, we're diving into the exciting world of shapes! We're going to explore both flat shapes (2D shapes) and solid objects (3D objects). Knowing about shapes is super useful in everyday life. Think about the stop sign that keeps us safe when crossing the street (it’s an octagon!), the rectangular shape of a book we read, or the round shape of a soccer ball we play with. Shapes are everywhere around us in South Africa, from the patterns on our traditional clothing to the houses we live in! Recognizing them helps us understand and describe the world around us better.
• By the end of this week, you will be able to:
• LO1: Identify and name four basic 2D shapes: circle, square, triangle, and rectangle.
• LO2: Identify and name three basic 3D objects: cube, sphere, and cylinder.
• LO3: Describe 2D shapes and 3D objects by their attributes (e.g., number of sides, curved/straight edges, flat/round faces).

Lesson summary

Welcome, Grade 1 learners! This week, we're diving into the exciting world of shapes! We're going to explore both flat shapes (2D shapes) and solid objects (3D objects). Knowing about shapes is super useful in everyday life. Think about the stop sign that keeps us safe when crossing the street (it’s an octagon!), the rectangular shape of a book we read, or the round shape of a soccer ball we play with. Shapes are everywhere around us in South Africa, from the patterns on our traditional clothing to the houses we live in! Recognizing them helps us understand and describe the world around us better.

Lesson notes

Let's explore the world of shapes! 2D Shapes (Flat Shapes) These shapes are flat, like drawings on paper.

They have only two dimensions: length and width.

Circle: A circle is round with no corners or straight sides. It's like a soccer ball cut in half (but flat!). Think of a plate, a coin, or the sun!

Square: A square has four equal sides, and all four corners are pointy. They are all the same shape and size (right angles). Think of a tile on the floor.

Triangle: A triangle has three sides and three corners. The sides can be the same length or different lengths. Think of a slice of watermelon or the roof of some houses.

Rectangle: A rectangle has four sides and four corners, just like a square. But a rectangle has two long sides and two short sides. All the corners are pointy. Think of a door, a book, or a table. 3D Objects (Solid Objects) These objects are solid; you can hold them in your hand!

They have three dimensions: length, width, and height. They take up space.

Cube: A cube is like a box with all sides that are squares. All sides are the same size and shape. Think of a dice, a building block or an ice cube.

Sphere: A sphere is perfectly round, like a ball. It looks the same from all sides. Think of a soccer ball or a marble.

Cylinder: A cylinder has two flat, round faces (circles) on each end, and a curved surface in between. Think of a can of beans, a toilet roll, or a drinking glass.

Attributes of Shapes and Objects Sides: Straight lines that make up the shape. For example, a square has 4 sides.

Corners: Where two sides meet. For example, a triangle has 3 corners.

Faces: The flat or curved surfaces of a 3D object. For example, a cube has 6 faces.

Edges: Where two faces of a 3D object meet. For example, a cube has 12 edges.

Vertices (Corners): The points where edges of a 3D object meet. For example, a cube has 8 vertices.

Worked example

Example 1: The South African Flag

Look at the South African flag. What 2D shapes can you see?

Answer: We can see triangles within the flag design. We can also see rectangles that make up the different colours of the flag.

Example 2: Building a Structure

You have building blocks that are cubes, cylinders, and rectangular prisms (like a long, flat box). Which of these shapes could you easily stack to make a tall tower? Why?

Answer: Cubes and rectangular prisms are easiest to stack because they have flat faces that can sit on top of each other. The curved surface of the cylinder makes it hard to stack.

Example 3: Identifying Objects in a Zulu Kraal

Imagine you are visiting a traditional Zulu kraal. What shape is the base of a traditional rondavel (round house)? What shape is a traditional Zulu shield?

Answer: The base of a rondavel is often a circle. A traditional Zulu shield can be a rectangle or oval.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Draw a line to match each shape to its name.

Circle

Square

Triangle

Rectangle

(Drawings of each shape here)

Solution: (Lines drawn to connect the shapes with their names). This helps reinforce shape recognition by visual association.