- Definition
When two shapes are "similar," it means they have the exact same shape but can be different sizes, like a small photo and a larger print of the same photo.
Your family and your friend's family are similar because both have adults and children.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Similar is like how you and your friend both have backpacks, even if they are different colors or sizes.
Ask your child: How are your shoes and my shoes similar?
Common mix-up: Kids often think 'similar' means 'exactly the same.' The important idea is that similar things are alike in some ways, but different in others.
Examples
- Our town and the town next to us are similar because they both have parks and stores.
- All kids are similar because they all need food and a safe place to live.
similar is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 2 The Arts
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 1 Science and Technology
- Grade 4 Science and Technology
- Grade 2 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 4 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 5 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 7 Social Studies / History / Geography
+1 more mention 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 ↗
