Learning shapes

A shape is the outline of something. Flat shapes on a page are called 2D shapes. We name them by counting the straight sides and the corners where two sides meet. Curved shapes, such as a circle, have no corners.

• Circle

  No straight sides. No corners.

  A circle is perfectly round. Every point on the edge is the same distance from the middle.

• Oval

  No straight sides. No corners.

  An oval is a stretched circle, like an egg. It is still curved all the way round.

• Triangle

  3 sides. 3 corners.

  A triangle has three straight sides. They can be the same length or different lengths.

• Square

  4 equal sides. 4 corners.

  A square has four sides that are all the same length, and four square corners.

• Rectangle

  4 sides. 4 corners.

  A rectangle has four square corners. The opposite sides match. A square is a special rectangle.

• Pentagon

  5 sides. 5 corners.

  A pentagon has five straight sides. Think of the shape of a house badge with a pointed roof.

• Hexagon

  6 sides. 6 corners.

  A hexagon has six straight sides. Bees build cells in this shape.