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Do you teach quadrilateral classification?
If so, did you know there are THREE different ways to define a trapezoid?
If you're not sure which definition you're using and which one you're supposed to be teaching, I can help!
Let's get started!
Without peeking at the rest of the email, answer the trapezoid question on the image below. (If you can't see the image, change your email settings and add me as a safe sender which should enable images in my emails. If that doesn't work, click here to see it on Facebook.)
Because there are three ways to define a trapezoid, there are three correct answers. Before I reveal them, I wanted to let you know that I've updated Classify It! Exploring Quadrilaterals to include all three definitions, so there are now THREE versions of the packet within the product file. But you do need to know which version is right for your students.
What Your Answer Reveals
Which polygons above did you classify as trapezoids? Your response will reveal the definition you use and the version of
Classify It!
you need.
- If you only chose polygon 3, you teach the exclusive definition which states that a trapezoid has EXACTLY one pair of parallel sides. Click to preview the exclusive trapezoids version of Classify It!
- If you chose both 1 and 3, you teach the inclusive definition which states a trapezoid has AT LEAST one pair of parallel sides. Click to preview the inclusive trapezoids version of Classify It!
- If you only chose polygon 2, you're using the British English classification system which states that a trapezoid is a quadrilateral with NO parallel sides. You teach your students that a quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides is a trapezium, not a trapezoid. Click to preview the British English version of Classify It!
Which definition SHOULD you be teaching?
Now you know which definition you ARE teaching, but is that the definition you're SUPPOSED TO BE teaching? If you aren't 100% sure, make a note to check on it. Until last week, I thought the Common Core used the exclusive definition, but it appears that the CCSS actually uses the inclusive definition. I posted a
question on my Facebook page to find out which trapezoid definition teachers were using. Over 180 responded, and most of the teachers who follow the CCSS teach the inclusive definition.
No matter which definition you're supposed to be teaching, Classify It! Exploring Quadrilaterals has you covered! You'll find lessons, printables, task cards, answer keys, and assessments that are aligned with the quadrilateral classification system used by your curriculum. Not only are these activities engaging and fun for kids, the lessons will help them nail those quadrilateral classifications every time!
If you've already purchased this product, you can download the updates for free by clicking over to the Classify It! page on TpT. If you're logged in, you'll see a link at the top that says "Download Now! You own it!"
If you haven't purchased it yet, what are you waiting for? :-) Head over to TpT now where you can read comments from over 300 teachers who have already used the lessons and activities with their students.
By the way, if you don't teach quadrilaterals, feel free to forward this message to a colleague who does! Have a great weekend!
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