- Definition
A quadrilateral is simply any shape that has four straight sides.
A square, a rectangle, and a rhombus are all quadrilaterals because they each have four sides.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A quadrilateral is like a baseball diamond or a kite — any shape with four straight sides.
Ask your child: How many different four-sided shapes can you spot in this room?
Common mix-up: Kids may think quadrilaterals are only squares or rectangles. Any closed shape with four straight sides, like a kite or a trapezoid, is also a quadrilateral.
Examples
- A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides.
- The shape of a tabletop or a window pane is often a quadrilateral.
quadrilateral is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
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 ↗
