- Definition
Imagine two train tracks that run side-by-side forever; they are parallel because they always stay the same distance apart and never cross.
The two long sides of a ruler are parallel because they are always the same distance apart.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Parallel lines are like train tracks that run side-by-side but never touch.
Ask your child: Where do you see lines that look like train tracks?
Common mix-up: Kids may think lines are parallel if they just don't touch on the page. The key idea is that they must stay the same distance apart everywhere, so they would never cross even if they kept going.
Examples
- The opposite sides of a window frame are parallel.
- The blue lines going across a piece of notebook paper.
parallel is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 4 Mathematics
- Grade 8 Mathematics
- Grade 2 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 6 Science and Technology
- Grade 9 Science and Technology
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
