teaching resource

Classifying 2 Dimensional Shapes Number Talk Task Cards

Updated: 20 Mar 2025

Spark discussion with these classifying 2 dimensional shapes number talk task cards

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 21 Pages
Grades: 1 - 5

Curriculum

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.G.A.1

Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.G.A.1

Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.1

Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangl...
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.G.A.1

Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.3

Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category. For example, all rectangles have four right angles and squares are rectangles, so all squares have four right angles.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.4

Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties.

Math 1.6(D)

Identify two-dimensional shapes, including circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares, as special rectangles, rhombuses, and hexagons and describe their attributes using formal geometric language;
Math 2.8(C)

Classify and sort polygons with 12 or fewer sides according to attributes, including identifying the number of sides and number of vertices;
Math 3.6(A)

Classify and sort two- and three-dimensional figures, including cones, cylinders, spheres, triangular and rectangular prisms, and cubes, based on attributes using formal geometric language;
Math 3.6(B)

Use attributes to recognize rhombuses, parallelograms, trapezoids, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories;
Math 4.6(D)

Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size.
Math 5.5

Geometry and measurement. The student applies mathematical process standards to classify two-dimensional figures by attributes and properties. The student is expected to classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy of sets and subsets ...
1. TEKS Math
2. TEKS Math 5

teaching resource

Classifying 2 Dimensional Shapes Number Talk Task Cards

Updated: 20 Mar 2025

Spark discussion with these classifying 2 dimensional shapes number talk task cards

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 21 Pages
Grades: 1 - 5

Spark discussion with these classifying 2 dimensional shapes number talk task cards

Practice Geometric Reasoning With Our Classifying 2 Dimensional Shapes Number Talk Cards

These Classifying 2 Dimensional Shapes Number Talk Task Cards are an engaging way to get students thinking critically about geometric shapes. This set includes 20 cards, each featuring a unique set of shapes for students to discuss and classify. On the back of each card, you’ll find thought-provoking questions like “Which figures have both parallel and perpendicular lines?” and “Which figures have acute/obtuse/right angles?” These cards spark meaningful conversations, encourage group discussions, and help students deepen their understanding of shape properties in an interactive way. Perfect for any math classroom looking to build strong communication and shape classification skills!

This classifying 2 dimensional shapes resource includes:

Instructions
20 shape set cards
Student discussion questions
Low-color version

Using Our Classifying 2D Figures Number Talk Cards

These classifying 2D figures cards have many uses! Here are a few ideas to get your students chatting.

Whole Group: Display one of the cards to your class during a math lesson. Ask students some of the questions printed on the back to begin a classroom discussion.
Small Group: Present a card to a small group to spark discussion about the attributes of the shapes they observe.
“Scoot” Activity: Place the classifying 2 dimensional shapes cards randomly around the room. Partner students and have the pairs rotate from card to card, discussing how they might group the shapes they see.

Download This Classifying Two Dimensional Shapes Activity

These classifying two dimensional shapes task cards are available in both PDF and Google Slides formats. Click the drop-down arrow located on the download button to choose the option that suits your classroom.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Want More Resources to Classify Two Dimensional Shapes?

You’re in luck! We have many more resources to help your students classify two dimensional shapes. Check out a few below.

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Curriculum

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.G.A.1

Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.G.A.1

Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.1

Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangl...
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.G.A.1

Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.3

Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category. For example, all rectangles have four right angles and squares are rectangles, so all squares have four right angles.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.4

Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties.

Math 1.6(D)

Identify two-dimensional shapes, including circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares, as special rectangles, rhombuses, and hexagons and describe their attributes using formal geometric language;
Math 2.8(C)

Classify and sort polygons with 12 or fewer sides according to attributes, including identifying the number of sides and number of vertices;
Math 3.6(A)

Classify and sort two- and three-dimensional figures, including cones, cylinders, spheres, triangular and rectangular prisms, and cubes, based on attributes using formal geometric language;
Math 3.6(B)

Use attributes to recognize rhombuses, parallelograms, trapezoids, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories;
Math 4.6(D)

Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size.
Math 5.5

Geometry and measurement. The student applies mathematical process standards to classify two-dimensional figures by attributes and properties. The student is expected to classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy of sets and subsets ...
1. TEKS Math
2. TEKS Math 5

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