Going on a Shape Hunt (assessment)

• Chart paper or overhead projector
   
• Computers with Internet access
   
• Cardstock cut to 1" x 6"
   
• Clipboards or other portable writing surface
   
• Shape Models

1. Gather students in a large group on the carpet. Review the names of the geometric shapes that they have been learning to activate their prior knowledge.
2. Read aloud the book Shape Up. The story should be read aloud in its entirety, pausing only to allow students to predict upcoming events. Predicting allows students to focus attention on reasoning, patterns, and problem solving while incorporating what they already know about geometric shapes with the ideas presented in the book.
3. Following the story, have students take turns using the Sammy Snake website to built upon knowledge of shapes.
4. Discuss the idea that shapes are not just in books but are all around us.
5. Introduce the Shape Hunt Song (attached) As you say the chant, hold up the model of a circle you have prepared for student reference. When you reach the line that says, "Do you see a circle?" ask students to point to a circle in the classroom. Finish the song.
6. Start a list of objects that are circles in the classroom on chart paper. Model various strategies for inventive spelling. For example, "Joe is pointing at the clock. Can you all point to the word clock in our classroom? Right, it's on the label beside the clock. You read the letters while I print them on the chart. Marta is pointing at a window. I don't see that word anywhere in our classroom. Let's try to write it together. W-w-w-window. What letter do I need to print at the beginning of the word window?" Another strategy is to point out words that are on the classroom word wall or located on posters or in other environmental print.
7. Repeat the shape hunt song. You can use the same shape and ask them to choose different objects. Or you can change the shape. If you do this, start a new list on another piece of chart paper.
8. Have students complete the Going on a Shape Hunt sheet (attached)- You may want to give each student a clipboard.
9. Inform students that they will be going on a shape hunt outside the classroom. Have them brainstorm some other areas in the school where they could look for shapes such as the office, the library, the gymnasium, the cafeteria, or the hallways.
10. At each location, choose one shape for students to look for. Show them the model of the shape. If they are completing the task sheets, they should complete the appropriate section. Review with them various strategies they can use to write the words on their sheet-they can sound it out, think about words they know that are similar, or look for environmental print.
11. When you return to the classroom, allow students a few minutes at their seats to complete their task sheets. Remind them that they may want to check the word wall for words that they were uncertain how to spell correctly.