AC9M2SP01: Recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides and using spatial terms such as “opposite”, “parallel”, “curved” and “straight”

Shapes can be classified by observable features such as number of sides, corners, curved edges, straight sides, opposite sides and parallel lines.

Learning sequence: Look → Count sides → Describe features → Classify → Explain

Success looks like

• Count sides
• Use curved/straight
• Use opposite/parallel
• Classify shapes
• Explain features

Describe features before naming

Use classification rules

Curriculum coverage and elaborations

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

• Content description: recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides and using spatial terms such as “opposite”, “parallel”, “curved” and “straight”
• E1: sorting a collection of shapes in different ways based on their features such as number of sides, whether all sides are equal, whether pairs of opposite sides are parallel; for example, collections of triangles and other polygons
• E2: manipulating shapes and recognising that different orientations do not change the shape; for example, cutting out pictures of various shapes, recognising they are they are still classified as the same shape even if they are upside down or on their side
• E3: investigating the shapes of different sporting fields, describing and labelling their features including side lines, centre circles and goal squares; for example, labelling the lines on a basketball court and using spatial terms to describe them
• E4: creating regular shapes using digital tools, describing and observing what happens when you manipulate them; for example, dragging or pushing vertices to produce irregular shapes, moving or rotating a shape

Key idea: Shapes can be classified by observable features such as number of sides, corners, curved edges, straight sides, opposite sides and parallel lines.

Remember

• Count sides
• Use curved/straight
• Use opposite/parallel
• Classify shapes
• Explain features

Quick questions

• Name a shape with 3 straight sides.
• What does opposite mean?
• Can a turned rectangle still be a rectangle? Explain.
• Sort shapes by curved or straight boundaries.

If an answer is uncertain, return to the model and explain what each part represents before calculating or drawing a conclusion.

How to use this unit

Read the topic guide and use the teacher slide for instruction. Students can then use the worksheet for written work, open Practice for supported feedback, or take the Test when they are ready.

• Naming by appearance only — Count sides and describe features.
• Rotated shapes look new — Turning a shape does not change its features.
• Curved/straight mixed — Trace the boundary to check.

International curriculum mapping

This table gives closest-topic mapping for search and planning. The Australian Curriculum code is exact; overseas entries are broad equivalents because each jurisdiction structures outcomes differently.

Curriculum equivalents for Recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides...

Mapped skill: recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides and using spatial terms such as “opposite”, “parallel”, “curved” and “straight”

These references identify matching or closely related learning. Curriculum sequence, terminology and depth vary, so teachers should use the mapped skill and lesson difficulty to confirm suitability.

Australian Curriculum v9.0 is the canonical source for this SkillrHub lesson. Victoria and NSW entries name the closest published state codes or outcomes; international entries are planning references rather than claims of identical curricula.

Official curriculum references

• Australian Curriculum Version 9.0
• Victorian Curriculum F-10
• NSW Curriculum
• Common Core State Standards
• Next Generation Science Standards
• England National Curriculum
• New Zealand Curriculum
• NCERT textbooks

Related Year 2 Maths topics

• AC9M2N01: Recognise, represent and order numbers to at least 1000 using physical and virtual materials, numerals and number lines
• AC9M2N02: Partition, rearrange, regroup and rename two- and three-digit numbers using standard and non-standard groupings; recognise the role of a zero digit in place value notation
• AC9M2N03: Recognise and describe one-half as one of 2 equal parts of a whole and connect halves, quarters and eighths through repeated halving
• AC9M2N04: Add and subtract one- and two-digit numbers, representing problems using number sentences, and solve using part-part-whole reasoning and a variety of calculation strategies
• AC9M2N05: Multiply and divide by one-digit numbers using repeated addition, equal grouping, arrays, and partitioning to support a variety of calculation strategies
• AC9M2N06: Use mathematical modelling to solve practical problems involving additive and multiplicative situations, including money transactions; represent situations and choose calculation strategies; interpret and communicate solutions in terms of the situation
• AC9M2A01: Recognise, describe and create additive patterns that increase or decrease by a constant amount, using numbers, shapes and objects, and identify missing elements in the pattern
• AC9M2A02: Recall and demonstrate proficiency with addition facts to 20; extend and apply facts to develop related subtraction facts