Lesson 4
Attributes of Rectangles, Rhombuses, and Squares
Lesson Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is for students to consider the geometric attributes a quadrilateral must have to be a rhombus, rectangle, or square.
Lesson Narrative
In previous lessons, students learned how to compare and describe shapes using geometric attributes. In this lesson, students analyze examples and non-examples of rectangles, rhombuses, and squares in order to identify their defining attributes. As they discern and describe features that define these quadrilaterals, students practice looking for structure (MP7) and communicating with precision (MP6).
Throughout the lesson, offer rulers to students if needed to determine if sides have the same length.
- Engagement
- MLR8
Activity 1: What Makes These Shapes So?
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Identify attributes of rhombuses, rectangles, and squares.
Student Facing
- Let’s find out what makes rectangles, rhombuses, and squares what they are.
Required Preparation
Activity 1:
- Create a chart with labels showing a rectangle, rhombus, and square for the lesson synthesis.
CCSS Standards
Addressing
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 35 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
Today students carefully analyzed attributes of specific quadrilaterals. How did this work prepare them to see a square as both a rhombus and a rectangle in future lessons?
Suggested Centers
- Picture Books (K–5), Stage 3: Find Shapes (Addressing)
- Which One? (K–5), Stage 4: Grade 3 Shapes (Addressing)