- Definition
A side is one of the straight lines that make up the outer edge of a flat shape like a square or triangle.
A triangle has three straight sides that connect to form its shape.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A side is like the straight edge of a building block that you can trace with your finger.
Ask your child: How many sides can you count on this square cracker?
Common mix-up: Kids may think curvy parts of a shape are also sides. A side must be a straight line.
Examples
- A square has four equal sides.
- Tracing the straight edges of a stop sign to count its eight sides.
side is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
- Grade 2 Mathematics
- Grade 3 Mathematics
- Grade 4 Mathematics
- Grade 5 Mathematics
+8 more mentions across the curriculum
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 ↗
