Florida Grade 2 Math · Geometric Reasoning

MA.2.GR.1.2: Sorting Shapes by Attributes

What this Grade 2 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

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What Is Benchmark MA.2.GR.1.2?

Students sort two-dimensional figures into groups based on attributes: the number of sides, the length of sides, the number of vertices, whether the figure is closed or open, and whether its edges are straight or curved.

They describe the groups using both everyday words ("corners," "pointy") and math words ("vertices," "closed").

Official benchmarkCategorize two-dimensional figures based on the number and length of sides, number of vertices, whether they are closed or not and whether the edges are curved or straight.

How it is tested: Grade 2 students take FAST Star Math, Florida's math test for Kindergarten through Grade 2.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Sort by Number of Sides

Which of these shapes have exactly 4 sides: triangle, square, hexagon, rectangle, pentagon?

1Triangle: 3 sides. Square: 4 sides. Hexagon: 6 sides.
2Rectangle: 4 sides. Pentagon: 5 sides.

Answer: The square and the rectangle

Worked Example 2

Closed or Open?

A figure is made of 3 straight sides, but there is a gap where two of the sides should meet. Is it a triangle?

1A triangle is a closed figure: all its sides connect.
2This figure has a gap, so it is open.

Answer: No, it is not a triangle because it is not closed.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Counting an open figure as a shape like a triangle or square

Wrong:Four sides that almost meet make a square.

The sides of a closed figure connect with no gaps. If there is a gap, it is open and is not a square.

Sorting by color or size instead of attributes

Wrong:Big shapes go in one group and small shapes in another, to sort by number of sides.

Size and color are not defining attributes. Count the sides or vertices to sort.

Helpful Math Tip

Cut out paper shapes (including some with curved edges and some open figures) and let your child invent sorting rules. Then guess each other's rule.

Related Grade 2 Skills

MA.2.GR.1.1

Identifying and Drawing Shapes

MA.2.GR.1.3

Lines of Symmetry

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.