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Lesson Title: Shape Squad Challenge

Grade Level: 3rd–5th Grade
Duration: 5 Class Periods (30 minutes each)

Standards:

• Math Standards
  • Geometry:
    • Recognize and classify quadrilaterals based on their properties (sides, angles, symmetry).
    • Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles) may share attributes.
    • Partition shapes into equal parts and describe them using fractions.
  • Measurement & Data:
    • Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
    • Relate geometric properties to real-world applications through movement and spatial reasoning.
• Dance Standards
  • Creating:
    • Explore and experiment with movement patterns to construct and express meaning.
    • Use body positioning to represent geometric shapes and spatial relationships.
    • Explore dance vocabulary and basic choreographic devices and structures using a range of music genres
    • Performing:
      • Demonstrate kinesthetic awareness, self-direction, and safe practices when improvising and performing.
      • Apply movement principles to create and maintain quadrilateral formations.
    • Responding:
      • Describe how movement patterns and body positioning reflect mathematical concepts.
      • Analyze how different dance forms incorporate geometric shapes.
    • Connecting:
      • Observe and explore dance forms that use structured shapes and formations.
      • Recognize how movement and spatial awareness contribute to understanding geometry.

Essential Questions:

• How can body movement help us understand the properties of different quadrilaterals?
• What similarities and differences do various quadrilaterals share?
• How do angles and sides work together to define different shapes?
• How does a pattern of shapes create a dance?

Learning Objectives:

• Students will create and compare quadrilaterals using group body positioning.
• Students will use arms and ropes to emphasize angles, sides, and symmetry.
• Students will participate in shape identification activities to reinforce understanding.
• Students will engage in cooperative learning to enhance teamwork and spatial awareness.

Success Criteria:

Quadrilateral Formation:

• I can create quadrilateral shapes using my body and group positioning.
• I can use movement to compare different quadrilateral properties.

Kinesthetic Awareness:

• I can recognize and demonstrate angles, sides, and symmetry in quadrilaterals.
• I can safely and confidently participate in movement-based learning.

Shape Identification:

• I can correctly identify and classify quadrilaterals by their defining attributes.
• I can analyze mystery shapes and explain their properties using geometric vocabulary.

Materials:

• Large open space
• Shape cue cards (rectangle, square, trapezoid, rhombus, parallelogram)
• Optional ropes/ribbons/sticks for visualizing sides
• Tables, straws, or shape mats for seated modifications

Lesson Activities:

Activity One: Introduction

• Discuss the properties of different quadrilaterals.
• Explain how body movement can help represent geometric attributes.

Activity Two: Shape Squad Formations

Activity Three: What’s My Shape Worksheet

Activity Four: Create a Pattern of Quadrilaterals into Choreography

• Students create quadrilateral shapes with stick figures on the worksheet.
• Practice the changing from shapes to shape in the same order three times in a row.
• Add music to the pattern changes.
• Compare the changes with other teams.

Adaptations and Modifications

Learner Needs Addressed:

Students with coordination, spatial awareness, or confidence challenges.

Adapted Materials:

• Provide tabletop tiles or magnetic boards for quadrilateral construction.
• Offer labeled diagrams to support shape identification and matching activities.

Instructional Strategies:

• Limit the lesson to fewer shapes per session for gradual learning.
• Use chants or rhymes to help students remember properties (e.g., “A square is fair!”).

Peer Support & Grouping Ideas:

• Mixed-ability groups where students take different roles—builder, observer, labeler.
• Encourage students to model movements and offer guidance to peers.

Assessment:

• Use quadrilateral sorting mats or digital sorting tasks to check understanding.
• Observe student participation in movement-based shape formations.
• Assess how students describe and explain quadrilateral properties during group activities.

This engaging, movement-based lesson transforms geometry into a collaborative and experiential learning process. By physically forming quadrilaterals, students internalize shape properties through kinesthetic exploration, developing a deeper understanding of angles, sides, and symmetry. Whether working together to build a parallelogram or creatively identifying a mystery shape, students experience math as a dynamic, interactive subject that fosters confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking.