2D shapes are the shapes that kids must be taught about from an early age, as shapes are an integral part of our lives. From TV, books, and magazines at home to road signs and symbols, there are several geometric shapes that we come across in our everyday lives.
In this article, we have covered one such important geometric shape – a rectangle. Along with the meaning of this shape, we have also covered activities on rectangle shape for kindergarten kids, to make the learning process fun and engaging for them.
Let’s begin!
What Is Rectangle?
In Latin, the word means – “rect – right” and “angulus – angle”. From these two words, we get the word “rectangle”. It is a closed 2-D shape with four sides, four corners, and four right angles (90°). The opposite sides of a rectangle are always the same in length and are parallel.
When Should Your Child Learn About Rectangle?
Children can learn about rectangle shape from a young age. There are various things around us that are rectangles, which gives up a perfect opportunity to teach children with the help of these objects.
Real-Life Examples Of Rectangle Shape Objects
Below we have covered some real-life rectangle shape pictures along with their names.
- TV
- Table
- Envelope
- Pillow
- Notebook
- Towel
- Smartphone
- Ruler
- Door
- Magazine
- Chocolate bar
- Bed
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Money (notes)
- Credit/Debit card
- Brick
- Playing cards
- Books
- Photo frame
Easy Steps To Draw A Rectangular Shape
Drawing a rectangle is very simple. In this section, we have covered some points on how to draw a rectangle. You need a ruler, a paper, and a pencil to draw a rectangle.
1. Draw A Horizontal Line
Here you have to draw a straight, horizontal line with the help of a ruler. This will be the top line of the rectangle.
2. Draw A Vertical Line
Next, take a ruler and draw a shorter vertical line coming down from one end of the first line you made above. This line should be shorter than the first horizontal line.
3. Draw Another Horizontal Line
Again, draw a straight horizontal line coming off the bottom end of the vertical line. It should be of the same length as the first horizontal line. This will be the bottom line of the rectangle.
4. Draw Another Vertical Line
Again, using a ruler, draw a vertical line from the endpoints of two horizontal lines. This should be of the same length as the previous vertical line.
Your rectangle is ready!
Rectangle In Maths
Now that your child knows how to make a rectangle, it’s time to teach them about the properties and formulas for this closed 2-dimensional shape.
What Are The Properties Of Rectangle?
The following are the properties of a rectangle:
- A rectangle is a flat and closed shape.
- A rectangle has 4 sides, 4 angles, and 4 corners.
- A rectangle has 2 dimensions, that are length and width.
- Every angle of this 2-dimensional shape measures 90°.
- Opposite sides of a rectangle are parallel and equal.
- A rectangle has 2 diagonals of equal length.
Formula Of Rectangle
Let’s take a look at the formulas of a rectangle for children:
Perimeter
It is the total distance covered by the boundary of the rectangle.
Perimeter of a rectangle: = 2 (Length + Width)
Area
It is the region covered by the rectangle shape in a plane. The area of a rectangle is measured in square units.
Area of a rectangle = length x width
Activities That Will Help Your Child To Learn About Rectangle
Here are some rectangle shape activities that will help children to learn about a rectangle.
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Trace The Outline
On a drawing sheet, make rectangles of different sizes using a sketch pen. Give glitter tubes of different colours to your kid and ask them to trace the outline of the rectangle. This activity will help your child to learn the shape of a rectangle.
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Name The Objects
This is a fun game for kids. All you need to do is ask your little one to name three things in the room that are rectangular in shape. For example, if you are sitting in the living room and your child has to name five things, they can say – TV, table, phone, magazine, and TV remote.
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Find & Circle The Shape
Take a drawing sheet and fill it with different geometrical shapes. Give this sheet to your child and ask them to find and circle only the rectangle shape with a crayon. Your child will love doing this activity.
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Rectangle Poems
Jingles are a great way to teach kids while keeping them engaged. Below we have covered some poems that you can use to teach your child about rectangle shapes.
Ricky Rectangle
Ricky Rectangle is my name
My four sides are not the same
2 are short and 2 are long
Count my sides, come right along
1-2-3-4.
Rectangle Song
(sung to Old McDonald)
My rectangle has four sides, EIEIO!
But all four sides are not the same, EIEIO!
With two sides big and two sides small,
My rectangle has four sides, EIEIO!
On my rectangle can be found, EIEIO!
Four right angles all around, EIEIO!
With two sides short and two sides tall,
Yes, two sides big and two sides small,
My rectangle has four sides, EIEIO!
Fun Facts About Rectangle Shape For Kids
Here are some fun facts about rectangles:
- All rectangles are parallelograms, but all parallelograms are not rectangles.
- The diagonals of a rectangle divide it into four triangles.
- Every square is a rectangle, but every rectangle is not a square.
FAQs
1. What Are Other Names For Rectangle?
Here are some other names for a rectangle:
- Equiangular Quadrilateral: All the angles of a rectangle are equal, and a four-sided closed shape is known as a quadrilateral.
- Right-Angled Parallelogram: The sides of the rectangle are parallel, and a parallelogram is a quadrilateral with equal and parallel opposite sides.
2. How To Find The Area And Perimeter Of A Rectangle?
Here are formulas to find the area and perimeter of a rectangle:
Area of a rectangle = length x width
Perimeter of a rectangle: = 2 (length + width)
With the help of this article, your child will be able to understand how to make a rectangle with the help of some amazing activities. Once your child has a good knowledge of rectangle shapes, do introduce them to other geometrical shapes, such as a triangle, a square, a circle, etc.
Also Read:
Triangle Shape Concept for Preschooler Kids
How to Teach Diamond Shape Lesson for Children
Teaching Different Shape Names for Preschooler Kids
