Use the square cutouts from the book to do this activity. How many different shapes can you make by joining (a) 2 squares (b) 3 squares (c) 4 squares Show them in a dot grid. Some dot grids are provided in the back of the book.
With 2 squares joined edge-to-edge, 1 shape (a rectangle) can be formed.
With 3 squares joined edge-to-edge, 2 different shapes can be made: a straight line (3 squares in a row) and an L-shape.
With 4 squares, multiple shapes can be made including: a larger square (), a straight line (4 in a row), L-shapes, T-shapes, and zigzag patterns.
Explanation
(a) Two squares joined together form a rectangle. (b) Three squares can be arranged in a line or in an L-shape configuration. (c) Four squares offer many arrangement possibilities, developing creative thinking about shape composition.