In this math center activity, students add together the number of sides from different shapes to equal a defined sum. For example, if the sum goal were 12 sides, you could use 3 squares to reach 12 sides (3 x 4 sides). By using shapes in this way, students not only become familiar with the shape names, but also work on a variety of implicit numeracy skills such as the concept of multiples.

With modeling, first graders, and potentially some kindergartners could benefit from this activity though it's naturally geared toward 2nd-4th graders. Many students could benefit from shape cutouts to aid them in producing different viable combinations.

In the downloadable Zip file are .pdf files and matching .docx files. If you want to edit any of the content to better fit your students’ needs, open the .docx version of the file in Google Docs and adjust each of the page margins to 0.5 inches. There are visual instructions for how to edit your page margins in the Zip file should you need them.

To edit these files, you'll want to adjust the left and right page margins to 0.4 inches.