Grade 3 Mathematics Geometry – Shapes Notes
Mathematics — Geometry
Subtopic: Shapes (for learners age 8)
Shapes are figures we see everywhere. A shape can have sides (straight lines) and corners (also called vertices). Below are some common shapes with simple pictures and easy words so you can learn and practise.
Square
Sides: 4 (all equal)
Corners: 4
Example: a small window pane or a chess board square.
Sides: 4 (all equal)
Corners: 4
Example: a small window pane or a chess board square.
Rectangle
Sides: 4 (opposite sides equal)
Corners: 4
Example: a door, classroom board.
Sides: 4 (opposite sides equal)
Corners: 4
Example: a door, classroom board.
Circle
Sides: 0 (no straight sides)
Corners: 0
Example: a plate, matatu wheel.
Sides: 0 (no straight sides)
Corners: 0
Example: a plate, matatu wheel.
Oval (egg shape)
Sides: 0 (curved)
Corners: 0
Example: an egg, some balloons.
Sides: 0 (curved)
Corners: 0
Example: an egg, some balloons.
Triangle
Sides: 3
Corners: 3
Example: a roof, slices of a pizza.
Sides: 3
Corners: 3
Example: a roof, slices of a pizza.
Pentagon
Sides: 5
Corners: 5
Example: some badges, stop signs in other countries.
Sides: 5
Corners: 5
Example: some badges, stop signs in other countries.
Important words
- Side — the straight line of a shape.
- Corner / Vertex — where two sides meet.
- Curved — not straight, like the edge of a circle or oval.
Fun activities (do with a pencil and paper)
- Draw each shape: square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, pentagon.
- Look around your home or classroom. Write down three things that match each shape (e.g., plate = circle).
- Count sides and corners of each object you find.
- Colour all the shapes with different colours.
Practice questions
- How many sides does a rectangle have? (Answer below)
- How many corners does a triangle have?
- Which shape has no corners and no sides?
- Name a real-life object that is an oval.
Answers:
- Rectangle has 4 sides.
- Triangle has 3 corners.
- Circle has no corners and no straight sides.
- Oval example: an egg or some balloons.
Note for Kenyan learners: Try finding shapes in your local environment — the matatu wheel (circle), the classroom door (rectangle), tea packet sides (square/rectangle), school roof (triangle). This helps you to see shapes everywhere.
Short review
Shapes are easy to learn when you draw them and find them around you. Remember: count sides and corners to help you know each shape.
Good work! Keep practising by drawing and finding shapes every day.