What Are Sides and Vertices?
Shapes are made of special parts we can count!
The straight lines that make up a shape are called sides. The points where two sides
meet are called vertices (we can also call them corners!). Let's learn to count them
together!
How to Count Sides and Vertices
1️⃣ Touch each side with your finger as you count
2️⃣ Point to each corner (vertex) as you count
3️⃣ Check your counting by looking at the shape again
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Count the Shape Parts
Triangle
Sides: 3
Vertices: 3
Square
Sides: 4
Vertices: 4
Pentagon
Sides: 5
Vertices: 5
Example 2: Shape Detective Game
Can you find objects around you with these shapes?
4 sides, 4 vertices
3 sides, 3 vertices
5 sides, 5 vertices
Challenge: Find one object for each shape in your room!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Shape Hunt: Go on a shape hunt around your home and count sides/vertices of objects together
- Playdough Shapes: Make shapes with playdough and count the sides and corners as you create them
- Side Walk Chalk: Draw giant shapes outside and let your child walk along the sides while counting