What is a Polygon?
Polygons are closed shapes with straight sides!
A polygon is any 2D shape that is closed (all the sides connect) and has straight sides.
The word "polygon" comes from Greek words meaning "many angles." The number of sides
a polygon has gives it its special name!
Common Polygons and Their Sides
Triangle
3 sides
Quadrilateral
4 sides
Pentagon
5 sides
Hexagon
6 sides
Let's Practice Counting Sides!
Example 1: How many sides does this shape have?
3
4
5
6
Great job! That's a quadrilateral with 4 sides!
Example 2: Which of these is an octagon (8-sided shape)?
A
B
C
Correct! Shape B has 8 sides - that's an octagon!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Shape scavenger hunt: Look for polygons around your home and neighborhood. Count the sides together and try to name them!
- Play dough polygons: Use play dough or pipe cleaners to create different polygons. This hands-on activity helps reinforce the concept.
- Real-world connections: Point out how many everyday objects are polygons - stop signs (octagon), soccer balls (pentagons and hexagons), etc.