• make several geometrical figures and count the number of sides.

Activity

• Provide each child with sets of ten toothpicks or straws. Ask the children to make as many three-sided or four-sided shapes as possible using the ten toothpicks or straws. Count the number of sides of each shape. Have the children draw the shapes on a piece of paper and record the number of sides. Ask the students to start again and come up with new shapes.

Assessment Tips from Old Tom the Turtle

• Observe individual children and their ability to create shapes and focus in on the number of sides.