eduKate · English · 6–8
Find your next building word
Choose a few pictures, describe a model, or explain one improvement. Read the adult guidance separately when useful.
1. Start and compare languages
Chapters 1–2: find the entry point and the four-language word table.
2. Recognise and describe shapes
Chapters 3–4: explore shape properties, sides and descriptive words.
Chapter 5: separate height from width using visible comparisons.
Chapters 6–8: use action words, a story and meaningful questions.
Chapters 9–12: plan practice, locate difficulties and check transfer.
Top 20 Vocabulary Words for Children | Ages 6–8: Shapes and Building Together teaches twenty useful words for naming shapes, describing a small model and explaining a change. The set is shape, circle, square, triangle, rectangle, corner, side, straight, curved, flat, tall, short, wide, narrow, build, join, balance, measure, compare and improve.
This international lesson has linked English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi and Russian editions. Every edition keeps the same word numbers, meanings, example situations and building story. Learn mainly in one language, compare two languages, or explore all four with an adult. Simplified Chinese characters have pinyin on the word cards; Hindi and Russian have approximate Latin reading aids.
The activities suit many children aged 6–8, with adult support adjusted to the child. This is a curated teaching set, not a universal ranking or an official curriculum. A child need not know every script or learn eighty word forms at once. Start with meaning and useful speech; add reading and writing when they help the learner.
Contents
Chapter 1–4
Chapter 5–8
Chapter 9–12
Chapter 1 of 12 · Start and compare languages
1. Begin with what the child can already show
Show a triangle beside a circle and ask for the shape with three straight sides. A child who points correctly but cannot name triangle may understand the idea and need help recalling the label. A child who names a familiar upright triangle but rejects a turned triangle needs a different kind of support. One incorrect answer does not identify the difficulty.
Take a recognition route if the words are new: match two contrasting pictures and name one property. Take a sentence route if the child already knows the labels: “This triangle has three corners.” Take an explanation route if the child is comfortable: “It is still a triangle after turning because the three straight sides are still there.”
Keep the building task small and on a tabletop or floor. Use lightweight blocks, cardboard shapes, paper and tape as appropriate. An adult can prepare pieces where cutting is needed. A drawing or rearranged paper shapes can replace physical construction. The point is language and reasoning; there is no need for a tall structure or extra purchases.
Separate listening, speaking, reading and writing. Understanding a spoken word is not the same as reading its script, and copying a word is not proof of understanding. Let a child point, arrange pieces or describe in a familiar language first. Then model one target word or sentence and invite another turn.
Age is a guide to activity design, not a deadline. A beginner can work with circle, triangle and build. A confident child can compare two model bases and explain a specific improvement. Keep the amount of new language manageable and leave room for the child to ask questions.
The table matches meanings in this particular lesson. English shape is a general word, while Hindi आकार may also refer to size in other contexts. English short describes the height of a tower here; Russian низкий and the Hindi phrase कम ऊँचा preserve that meaning more clearly than a word about short length.
Mandarin appears in simplified characters. The pinyin marks tones; it is not English spelling. For example, 正方形 is zhèngfāngxíng and 测量 is cèliáng. Hear the words from a proficient speaker or reliable dictionary audio when possible. Reading aids help a first encounter but do not fully capture speech sounds.
Hindi uses Devanagari and Russian uses Cyrillic. The Latin aids are approximate transliterations rather than a promise of exact pronunciation. In Hindi aids, ā, ī and ū mark long vowels; ṭ and ḍ mark retroflex sounds. The tilde in ū̃ or ã indicates nasalisation. Russian headwords usually show stress; ordinary sentences generally leave stress marks out.
Learn examples as whole messages. Hindi सीधा becomes सीधी with रेखा in the supplied sentence. Russian прямой becomes прямая with линия, and высокий becomes высокая with башня. These are normal changes of grammatical form, not new shapes or different meanings. The Hindi first-person example बनाता हूँ uses a masculine form; a speaker using the feminine form can say बनाती हूँ. Match the example to the speaker rather than treating one form as universal.
Chinese 矩形 is used for the inclusive mathematical rectangle category. A square has the properties required of a rectangle, plus all four sides are equal. Some everyday picture collections use rectangle only for a longer-looking non-square shape. This lesson keeps the inclusive definition and explains it rather than using appearance alone.
To compare languages, keep one drawing visible and one property in focus. Trace three sides, say the matching word in a chosen language, and use its example sentence. On another turn, open the same word number in another edition. There is no need to test four translations in a fast sequence.
Chapter 3 of 12 · Recognise and describe shapes
3. Words 1–5: name the shape by its properties
1. shape · 形状
English: shape
What something looks like in its outline or form. In this lesson we begin with flat shapes, then use them to describe parts of a small model.
What shape is this piece?
简体中文·普通话: 形状 (xíngzhuàng)
事物的轮廓或外形。本课先认识平面图形，再用这些词描述小模型的部分。
这块积木是什么形状的？
हिन्दी: आकार (ākār)
किसी चीज़ की रूपरेखा या बनावट। यहाँ पहले समतल आकृतियाँ पहचानेंगे, फिर छोटे मॉडल के हिस्सों का वर्णन करेंगे।
इस टुकड़े का आकार क्या है?
Русский: фо́рма (forma)
Очертание или внешний вид предмета. Сначала рассматриваем плоские фигуры, затем описываем части небольшой модели.
Какой формы эта деталь?
Try it: Ask for a description of one piece before naming it. Notice whether the child means shape, size or colour.
2. circle · 圆形
English: circle
A flat round shape whose boundary is the same distance from its centre all the way around. A drawing may only approximate this shape. A ball is a solid object, not a flat circle.
I draw a circle on the paper.
简体中文·普通话: 圆形 (yuánxíng)
边界上的点到中心距离相同的平面圆形。手画的圆可能不完全准确。球是立体物体，不是平面圆形。
我在纸上画一个圆。
हिन्दी: वृत्त (vṛtt)
एक समतल गोल आकृति जिसकी सीमा के सभी बिंदु केंद्र से बराबर दूरी पर होते हैं। हाथ का चित्र लगभग गोल हो सकता है। गेंद ठोस है, समतल वृत्त नहीं।
मैं कागज़ पर एक वृत्त बनाता हूँ।
Русский: круг (krug)
Плоская круглая фигура, граница которой везде одинаково удалена от центра. Рисунок бывает приблизительным. Мяч — объёмный предмет, а не плоский круг.
Я рисую круг на бумаге.
Try it: Compare a circle drawing with a picture of a ball. Explain which representation is flat and which object has volume.
3. square · 正方形
English: square
A flat shape with four equal straight sides and four right angles. Turning it does not change these properties. In inclusive mathematical classification, a square is also a special rectangle.
The square has four equal sides.
简体中文·普通话: 正方形 (zhèngfāngxíng)
有四条相等的直边和四个直角的平面图形。转动它，性质不变。按数学中的包含关系，正方形也是一种特殊的矩形。
正方形有四条相等的边。
हिन्दी: वर्ग (varg)
चार बराबर सीधी भुजाओं और चार समकोणों वाली समतल आकृति। घुमाने से ये गुण नहीं बदलते। गणित में वर्ग एक विशेष आयत भी है।
वर्ग की चारों भुजाएँ बराबर हैं।
Русский: квадра́т (kvadrat)
Плоская фигура с четырьмя равными прямыми сторонами и четырьмя прямыми углами. Поворот не меняет эти свойства. В математике квадрат — частный случай прямоугольника.
У квадрата четыре равные стороны.
Try it: Turn a square card slowly. Check equal sides and right angles rather than changing its name because of its position.
4. triangle · 三角形
English: triangle
A closed flat shape with three straight sides and three corners. Triangles can be wide, narrow or turned in different directions; they do not all need equal sides.
This triangle has three corners.
简体中文·普通话: 三角形 (sānjiǎoxíng)
由三条直边围成、有三个角的平面图形。三角形可以宽、可以窄，也可以朝向不同；不必三条边都相等。
这个三角形有三个角。
हिन्दी: त्रिभुज (tribhuj)
तीन सीधी भुजाओं और तीन कोनों वाली बंद समतल आकृति। त्रिभुज चौड़ा, सँकरा या घूमा हुआ हो सकता है; सभी भुजाओं का बराबर होना ज़रूरी नहीं।
इस त्रिभुज के तीन कोने हैं।
Русский: треуго́льник (treugolnik)
Замкнутая плоская фигура с тремя прямыми сторонами и тремя углами. Треугольники бывают широкими, узкими и повёрнутыми; равенство всех сторон не обязательно.
У этого треугольника три угла.
Try it: Choose three triangles with different widths and directions. Find the three straight sides in each one.
5. rectangle · 矩形
English: rectangle
A flat shape with four straight sides and four right angles. Opposite sides have equal lengths. Some rectangles have all four sides equal; those rectangles are squares.
This rectangle has four right angles.
简体中文·普通话: 矩形 (jǔxíng)
有四条直边和四个直角的平面图形，对边相等。有些矩形四条边都相等，它们就是正方形；本课也认识常说的长方形。
这个矩形有四个直角。
हिन्दी: आयत (āyat)
चार सीधी भुजाओं और चार समकोणों वाली समतल आकृति। आमने-सामने की भुजाएँ बराबर होती हैं। चारों बराबर हों तो वही आयत वर्ग भी है।
इस आयत के चार समकोण हैं।
Русский: прямоуго́льник (pryamougolnik)
Плоская фигура с четырьмя прямыми сторонами и четырьмя прямыми углами. Противоположные стороны равны. Если равны все четыре стороны, это квадрат.
У этого прямоугольника четыре прямых угла.
Try it: Sort rectangles by their properties. Put a square within the rectangle group, explaining its extra equal-side condition.
Chapter 4 of 12 · Recognise and describe shapes
4. Words 6–10: describe a part precisely
6. corner · 角
English: corner
The place where two sides meet in a flat polygon. For a first activity, point to the corner without requiring a formal angle measurement. An ordinary circle has no corners.
Point to one corner of the square.
简体中文·普通话: 角 (jiǎo)
平面多边形中两条边相接的位置。初学时先找角，不必马上测量角度。普通圆形没有角。
指一指正方形的一个角。
हिन्दी: कोना (konā)
समतल बहुभुज में जहाँ दो भुजाएँ मिलती हैं। पहली गतिविधि में कोना दिखाएँ; अभी कोण का औपचारिक माप ज़रूरी नहीं। वृत्त के कोने नहीं होते।
वर्ग का एक कोना दिखाओ।
Русский: у́гол (ugol)
Место встречи двух сторон плоского многоугольника. Для первого задания достаточно показать угол, не измеряя его величину. У круга углов нет.
Покажи один угол квадрата.
Try it: Touch each corner of a drawn triangle once. Then explain why the circle has no corners.
7. side · 边
English: side
One straight boundary segment of the polygons in this lesson. Count each side once as you trace around the shape. Here we describe a circle as having a curved boundary, not straight sides.
Trace one side of the triangle.
简体中文·普通话: 边 (biān)
本课多边形边界上的一段直线。沿图形边界数，每条边只数一次。圆形有弯曲的边界，没有直边。
沿着三角形的一条边描一描。
हिन्दी: भुजा (bhujā)
इस पाठ के बहुभुज की सीमा का एक सीधा हिस्सा। आकृति के चारों ओर चलते हुए हर भुजा एक बार गिनें। वृत्त की सीमा वक्र है, उसकी सीधी भुजाएँ नहीं।
त्रिभुज की एक भुजा पर उँगली चलाओ।
Русский: сторона́ (storona)
Прямой отрезок границы многоугольника в этом уроке. Обводя фигуру, считайте каждую сторону один раз. Границу круга называем кривой, а не прямыми сторонами.
Проведи пальцем вдоль одной стороны треугольника.
Try it: Trace one polygon side from one corner to the next. Avoid counting the same side again on the next pass.
8. straight · 直的
English: straight
Not bending or curving along the part being described. Straight does not mean horizontal: a straight line can point up, across or diagonally.
This line is straight.
简体中文·普通话: 直的 (zhí de)
所描述的部分没有弯曲。“直”不等于“水平”：直线可以竖着、横着，也可以斜着。
这条线是直的。
हिन्दी: सीधा (sīdhā)
जिस हिस्से का वर्णन हो उसमें मोड़ या घुमाव न हो। सीधा का मतलब केवल आड़ा नहीं; सीधी रेखा खड़ी या तिरछी भी हो सकती है।
यह रेखा सीधी है।
Русский: прямо́й (pryamoy)
Не изгибающийся на рассматриваемом участке. Прямой не означает только горизонтальный: прямая линия может идти вверх или наискосок.
Эта линия прямая.
Try it: Draw a diagonal straight line and a horizontal straight line. Explain why both are straight.
9. curved · 弯曲的
English: curved
Bending instead of following one straight direction. A smooth arc is curved. Turning a straight card does not make its straight side curved.
The line on my picture is curved.
简体中文·普通话: 弯曲的 (wānqū de)
没有保持同一个直的方向，而是弯了。平滑的弧线是弯曲的。转动一张卡片，不会把它的直边变成曲线。
我图上的这条线是弯曲的。
हिन्दी: घुमावदार (ghumāvdār)
एक ही सीधी दिशा में न जाकर मुड़ा हुआ। चिकनी चाप घुमावदार होती है। सीधी किनारी वाले कार्ड को घुमाने से उसकी किनारी वक्र नहीं बनती।
मेरे चित्र की यह रेखा घुमावदार है।
Русский: изо́гнутый (izognutyy)
Меняющий направление изгибом. Плавная дуга — изогнутая линия. Если повернуть карточку, её прямая сторона не станет изогнутой.
Линия на моём рисунке изогнутая.
Try it: Compare an arc with a straight line. Rotate the paper and check whether either property changes.
10. flat · 平的
English: flat
Having a level or plane surface in the example being discussed. Here we use a smooth flat base. Flat does not automatically mean that the whole object is thin or square.
Put the model on a flat surface.
简体中文·普通话: 平的 (píng de)
本课指表面平整。搭建时使用平的底面。“平”并不说明整个物体很薄，也不说明它是正方形。
把模型放在平的表面上。
हिन्दी: समतल (samtal)
यहाँ ऐसी सतह जो सम हो। मॉडल के लिए समतल आधार लेते हैं। समतल होने से पूरी चीज़ का पतला या वर्गाकार होना तय नहीं होता।
मॉडल को समतल सतह पर रखो।
Русский: пло́ский (ploskiy)
Имеющий ровную плоскую поверхность в нашем примере. Для модели берём ровное основание. Плоский не означает обязательно тонкий или квадратный.
Поставь модель на ровную плоскую поверхность.
Try it: Use a flat model base. Notice that a flat card can be tilted: flat and horizontal do not mean exactly the same thing.
11. tall · 高的
English: tall
Having a large height compared with the reference in this activity. Compare models standing on the same surface. Tall alone does not tell you that something is wide or stable.
This tower is tall.
简体中文·普通话: 高的 (gāo de)
与活动中比较的对象相比，高度较大。比较模型时，让它们站在同一个平面上。高不代表宽，也不代表稳。
这座塔很高。
हिन्दी: ऊँचा (ū̃chā)
इस गतिविधि के संदर्भ में जिसकी ऊँचाई अधिक हो। मॉडलों को एक ही सतह पर रखकर तुलना करें। ऊँचा होने से चौड़ा या स्थिर होना तय नहीं।
यह मीनार ऊँची है।
Русский: высо́кий (vysokiy)
Имеющий большую высоту по сравнению с выбранным образцом. Ставьте модели на одну поверхность. Высокий не значит широкий или устойчивый.
Эта башня высокая.
Try it: Place two towers on the same surface and compare their height. Do not compare one on a book with one on the table.
12. short · 矮的
English: short
Having a small height in this lesson. English short also describes length or time, but our tower example is about height. Russian uses низкий here, not короткий.
This tower is short.
简体中文·普通话: 矮的 (ǎi de)
本课指高度小，也就是矮。英文 short 也可形容长度或时间，但塔的例子讲高度；俄语这里用 низкий。
这座塔很矮。
हिन्दी: कम ऊँचा (kam ū̃chā)
यहाँ जिसकी ऊँचाई कम हो। अंग्रेज़ी short लंबाई या समय के लिए भी आता है, पर मीनार के उदाहरण में ऊँचाई है। रूसी में यहाँ низкий आएगा।
इस मीनार की ऊँचाई कम है।
Русский: ни́зкий (nizkiy)
Имеющий небольшую высоту в этом уроке. Английское short также относится к длине или времени, но для башни используем низкий, а не короткий.
Эта башня низкая.
Try it: Describe a low tower using the height meaning of short. Compare that with a short ribbon to notice the other meaning.
13. wide · 宽的
English: wide
Having a large distance from one side to the other across the part being compared. Say which direction you mean; width is not the same as height.
This base is wide.
简体中文·普通话: 宽的 (kuān de)
比较的部位从一边到另一边距离较大。说明正在比较哪个方向；宽度和高度不是同一件事。
这个底座很宽。
हिन्दी: चौड़ा (chauṛā)
जिस हिस्से की तुलना हो उसमें एक ओर से दूसरी ओर की दूरी अधिक हो। दिशा साफ़ बताएँ; चौड़ाई और ऊँचाई अलग हैं।
यह आधार चौड़ा है।
Русский: широ́кий (shirokiy)
Имеющий большое расстояние поперёк сравниваемой части. Уточняйте направление: ширина и высота — разные измерения.
Это основание широкое.
Try it: Point across the base to show the direction of its width before calling it wide.
14. narrow · 窄的
English: narrow
Having a small distance across compared with another example or a stated need. Narrow is a description, not a judgement that something is bad.
This base is narrow.
简体中文·普通话: 窄的 (zhǎi de)
与另一个对象或实际需要相比，横向距离小。“窄”是描述，不表示东西不好。
这个底座很窄。
हिन्दी: सँकरा (sãkarā)
दूसरे उदाहरण या बताई गई ज़रूरत की तुलना में कम चौड़ाई वाला। सँकरा एक वर्णन है, किसी चीज़ को बुरा बताना नहीं।
यह आधार सँकरा है।
Русский: у́зкий (uzkiy)
Имеющий небольшую ширину по сравнению с другим образцом или задачей. Узкий — описание, а не оценка качества.
Это основание узкое.
Try it: Compare two bases of different widths. Say which is narrower in the stated direction, not which is simply worse.
Chapter 6 of 12 · Build, read and practise
6. Words 15–20: turn vocabulary into an action
15. build · 搭建
English: build
To make a structure by arranging parts. In this lesson the structure is a small tabletop model. The same idea can be explored with cardboard drawings when blocks are unavailable.
We build a small tower together.
简体中文·普通话: 搭建 (dājiàn)
把部分安排在一起，做成结构。本课搭建桌面小模型。没有积木时，也可以用纸板图形摆出模型。
我们一起搭一座小塔。
हिन्दी: बनाना (banānā)
हिस्सों को व्यवस्थित करके कोई ढाँचा बनाना। यहाँ मेज़ पर छोटा मॉडल बनेगा। ब्लॉक न हों तो गत्ते के चित्रों से विचार दिखा सकते हैं।
हम मिलकर एक छोटी मीनार बनाते हैं।
Русский: стро́ить (stroit)
Создавать конструкцию, располагая её части. Здесь строим небольшую настольную модель. Если кубиков нет, идею можно показать картонными деталями.
Мы вместе строим небольшую башню.
Try it: Make a low model from a few lightweight pieces. Explain the order of two building actions.
16. join · 连接
English: join
To bring parts together so that they connect. Placing two pieces close to each other does not always join them. Explain what actually makes the connection in your model.
We join the two pieces with tape.
简体中文·普通话: 连接 (liánjiē)
把部分接在一起。两块东西靠得很近，不一定已经连接。说明模型里是什么把它们接起来。
我们用胶带连接这两块。
हिन्दी: जोड़ना (joṛnā)
हिस्सों को इस तरह साथ लाना कि वे जुड़ें। पास-पास रखने से हमेशा जुड़ना नहीं होता। मॉडल में जोड़ कैसे बना है, बताएँ।
हम दोनों टुकड़ों को टेप से जोड़ते हैं।
Русский: соединя́ть (soyedinyat)
Делать части связанными между собой. Просто поставить детали рядом — не всегда значит соединить. Объясните, чем они соединены в модели.
Мы соединяем две детали клейкой лентой.
Try it: Bring two cardboard pieces together. Say whether they merely touch or are actually connected with tape.
17. balance · 保持平衡
English: balance
To keep steady without tipping in this activity. We practise with a low lightweight model, not by climbing on a structure. One successful placement does not prove every taller version will balance.
Can the model balance on this base?
简体中文·普通话: 保持平衡 (bǎochí pínghéng)
本课指保持稳定，不倒下。活动使用低矮、轻的模型，不让孩子爬上结构。一次摆稳了，不证明所有更高的版本都会稳。
模型能在这个底座上保持平衡吗？
हिन्दी: संतुलन बनाए रखना (santulan banāe rakhnā)
यहाँ बिना पलटे स्थिर रखना। अभ्यास नीचे रखे हल्के मॉडल से करें, उस पर चढ़कर नहीं। एक बार टिकने से हर ऊँचा मॉडल संतुलित होगा, यह साबित नहीं होता।
क्या मॉडल इस आधार पर संतुलित रह सकता है?
Русский: удерживать равновесие (uderzhivat ravnovesiye)
Сохранять устойчивое положение без опрокидывания в этом задании. Используем низкую лёгкую модель, не забираемся на неё. Один удачный опыт не гарантирует устойчивость более высокой версии.
Сможет ли модель удержать равновесие на этом основании?
Try it: Observe whether a low model stays upright after hands are removed. Do not climb on it or make it taller to impress anyone.
18. measure · 测量
English: measure
To find an amount, length or size using a method and a unit. Here we measure a straight length with equal paper strips laid end to end, without gaps or overlaps.
We measure the base with equal strips.
简体中文·普通话: 测量 (cèliáng)
使用方法和单位确定长度、大小或数量。本课用同样长的纸条首尾相接测量直线长度，中间不留空隙，也不重叠。
我们用同样长的纸条测量底座。
हिन्दी: मापना (māpnā)
तरीके और इकाई से लंबाई, आकार या मात्रा पता करना। यहाँ बराबर कागज़ी पट्टियाँ सिरों से मिलाकर, बिना खाली जगह या चढ़ाव के, सीधी लंबाई मापेंगे।
हम बराबर पट्टियों से आधार मापते हैं।
Русский: измеря́ть (izmeryat)
Определять величину с помощью способа и единицы. Здесь измеряем прямую длину одинаковыми бумажными полосками, располагая их вплотную, без промежутков и наложений.
Мы измеряем основание одинаковыми полосками.
Try it: Measure a straight base edge using equal paper strips. Begin at the same end and leave no gaps or overlaps.
19. compare · 比较
English: compare
To look for similarities and differences. Name the feature: compare height, width, shape or number of pieces. Bigger is too vague when one model is taller but narrower.
We compare the heights of the two towers.
简体中文·普通话: 比较 (bǐjiào)
寻找相同与不同。说明比较的是高度、宽度、形状还是块数。当一个模型更高却更窄时，只说“大”不够清楚。
我们比较两座塔的高度。
हिन्दी: तुलना करना (tulnā karnā)
समानताएँ और अंतर देखना। बताएँ कि ऊँचाई, चौड़ाई, आकार या टुकड़ों की संख्या में तुलना है। एक मॉडल ऊँचा पर सँकरा हो तो केवल बड़ा कहना अस्पष्ट है।
हम दोनों मीनारों की ऊँचाइयों की तुलना करते हैं।
Русский: сра́внивать (sravnivat)
Находить сходства и различия. Называйте признак: высота, ширина, форма или число деталей. Слово больше неточно, если одна модель выше, но уже другой.
Мы сравниваем высоту двух башен.
Try it: Compare the same feature in both models: height with height or width with width. Give one similarity and one difference.
20. improve · 改进
English: improve
To make something better for a stated purpose. Decide what better means before changing the model: standing more steadily, fitting a space or using fewer pieces. A prettier colour alone may not meet the aim.
We improve the model by changing the base.
简体中文·普通话: 改进 (gǎijìn)
为了明确的目的把事物做得更好。先说清楚目标：更稳、适合某个空间，或少用积木。颜色更漂亮，不一定实现原来的目标。
我们改变底座，改进模型。
हिन्दी: सुधारना (sudhārnā)
तय उद्देश्य के लिए बेहतर बनाना। बदलने से पहले लक्ष्य बताएँ: अधिक स्थिर रहना, जगह में फिट होना या कम टुकड़े लेना। केवल सुंदर रंग लक्ष्य पूरा करे, ज़रूरी नहीं।
हम आधार बदलकर मॉडल सुधारते हैं।
Русский: улучша́ть (uluchshat)
Делать лучше для определённой цели. Сначала решите, что улучшаете: устойчивость, размещение в заданном месте или расход деталей. Более красивый цвет не всегда решает задачу.
Мы улучшаем модель, меняя основание.
Try it: Choose one aim, change one part, and observe again. Say what improved, stayed the same or still needs another attempt.
Read one version first, then compare another if the child wishes. The small model in the story is not a design for a real building. Its result describes that particular trial, not a guarantee for every structure.
English
Alex and a friend want to build a small model together. They draw a circle, a square, a triangle and a rectangle on paper. The triangle has three corners. The square still looks like a square when Alex turns the paper: its equal sides and right angles have not changed. They choose a flat base and arrange a few lightweight pieces. Their first tower is taller than the second, but its base is narrower. “Let us compare the width,” says Alex. They measure one straight edge with equal paper strips, leaving no gaps. They join two cardboard pieces with tape. When they remove their hands, the first arrangement tips. They change the base and try again. In this trial, the model stays upright. “We improved it for our goal,” says the friend. “We changed the base, then we checked.” They draw the result, describe what they saw and put the pieces away.
简体中文·普通话
亚历克斯和一位朋友想合作搭建一个小模型。他们在纸上画圆形、正方形、三角形和矩形。三角形有三个角。亚历克斯转动纸张，正方形仍是正方形，因为相等的边和直角没有改变。他们选一个平的底座，摆上几块轻材料。第一座塔比第二座高，底座却更窄。“我们比较一下宽度。”亚历克斯说。他们用同样长的纸条测一条直边，不留空隙，再用胶带连接两块纸板。松手后，第一次的摆法倒了。他们改变底座，再试一次。这一次模型站稳了。朋友说：“为了我们的目标，我们改进了模型。先改变，再检查。”他们画下结果，描述观察，最后收好材料。
हिन्दी
एलेक्स और एक दोस्त मिलकर छोटा मॉडल बनाना चाहते हैं। वे कागज़ पर वृत्त, वर्ग, त्रिभुज और आयत बनाते हैं। त्रिभुज के तीन कोने हैं। एलेक्स कागज़ घुमाता है, पर वर्ग की बराबर भुजाएँ और समकोण नहीं बदलते, इसलिए वह वर्ग ही है। वे समतल आधार चुनकर कुछ हल्के टुकड़े रखते हैं। पहली मीनार दूसरी से ऊँची है, पर उसका आधार अधिक सँकरा है। एलेक्स कहता है, “चौड़ाई की तुलना करें।” वे समान पट्टियों को बिना खाली जगह रखकर सीधी किनारी मापते हैं और दो गत्तों को टेप से जोड़ते हैं। हाथ हटाने पर पहला ढाँचा पलट जाता है। वे आधार बदलकर फिर कोशिश करते हैं। इस बार मॉडल खड़ा रहता है। दोस्त कहता है, “अपने लक्ष्य के लिए हमने सुधार किया। आधार बदला, फिर जाँच की।” वे परिणाम का चित्र बनाते हैं, देखा हुआ बताते हैं और टुकड़े रख देते हैं।
Русский
Алекс и друг хотят вместе построить небольшую модель. Они рисуют на бумаге круг, квадрат, треугольник и прямоугольник. У треугольника три угла. Алекс поворачивает бумагу, но квадрат остаётся квадратом: равные стороны и прямые углы не изменились. Друзья выбирают плоское основание и располагают несколько лёгких деталей. Первая башня выше второй, но её основание уже. «Давай сравним ширину», — говорит Алекс. Они измеряют прямую сторону одинаковыми полосками без промежутков и соединяют две картонные детали клейкой лентой. Когда руки убраны, первая конструкция опрокидывается. Друзья меняют основание и пробуют снова. В этой попытке модель остаётся стоять. «Мы улучшили её для нашей цели: изменили основание, затем проверили», — говорит друг. Они рисуют результат, описывают наблюдение и убирают детали.
Chapter 8 of 12 · Build, read and practise
8. Questions, sentence repair and a small project
Use these questions with drawings or real pieces. The answers give examples, not a script every child must copy. Ask the child to show the evidence before correcting the wording. A correct explanation in a familiar language reveals understanding even when the target label is still developing.
For a small project, make a low model that fits on a paper base. Draw it first, name two shapes, choose a feature to compare and measure one straight length. Try one change with the same lightweight pieces. Finish with “We changed …” and “We noticed …”. If the result does not improve, describe that honestly and choose a next attempt.
1. Which shape has three straight sides and three corners?
2. A square card is turned onto a corner. Is it still a square?
3. Does a rectangle always have one pair of longer sides?
4. What is wrong with “This circle has three straight sides”?
5. Can a line be straight and diagonal?
6. One tower is taller but has a narrower base. Is bigger precise enough?
7. May unequal paper strips be counted as equal length units?
8. A model falls after we remove our hands. Has it balanced independently?
9. Repair the vague report “We improved it because it is better.”
10. Translate the idea, not the word order: short tower.
Suggested answers
- Triangle. The direction or width does not change this property.
- Yes, if its four equal sides and four right angles are unchanged.
- No. A square is a special rectangle with all four sides equal.
- A circle has a curved boundary and no straight sides. A triangle has three straight sides.
- Yes. Straight describes its lack of curvature, not a required horizontal direction.
- No. Say taller for height and narrower for the base width.
- No. Use the same-sized unit consistently for this measurement.
- No. Describe the observation and try a suitable change with adult support.
- For example: “We changed the base. The model stayed upright in this trial.”
- Use the height meaning: 矮的塔, कम ऊँची मीनार, низкая башня. English short ribbon would need a different choice in Russian.
The seven days form an optional sequence. Repeat a day or spread it over several short sessions. Do not require a child to speak for a country, culture or whole language community. Children can choose a language role because it interests them.
| Day | Words | Activity | What to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shape, circle, square | Match pictures and name one property. | Does the child attend to shape rather than colour? |
| 2 | Triangle, rectangle; revisit square | Turn cards and sort by properties. | Do names remain stable after rotation? |
| 3 | Corner, side, straight, curved | Trace and count; compare lines. | Does the child distinguish a corner from a side? |
| 4 | Flat, tall, short | Use a shared base level for two low models. | Can the child isolate height? |
| 5 | Wide, narrow, compare | Compare bases in a stated direction. | Can the child keep width separate from height? |
| 6 | Build, join, balance | Make a small lightweight model. | Can the child explain two different actions? |
| 7 | Measure, improve; review | Measure one length, change one feature and report. | Can the child distinguish a change from evidence of improvement? |
If picture matching is difficult, reduce the choice to two contrasting shapes and demonstrate one property. Change colours and sizes later so the word does not become attached to a single red card. Return to meaning before asking the child to repeat the name again.
If recognition is secure but naming is hesitant, offer two spoken alternatives or the beginning of a familiar sentence. Gradually remove that prompt. Revisit a different picture of the same shape. A pause in naming does not prove the shape concept is missing.
If the child uses size words loosely, isolate one dimension. Put models on the same surface for height and point across the base for width. Ask “Taller in which direction?” or “Wider across which part?” before adding more descriptive words.
If measuring produces inconsistent results, inspect the setup: unit size, starting point, gaps and overlaps. Recounting cannot repair a gap between the units. The Stanford DREME resource linked below offers further examples for adults.
If the language is understood but print is unfamiliar, let an adult read the examples. Match a heard word to two written choices when the child is ready. If explanation is already strong, add another language, a less familiar triangle or a comparison that requires a reason.
Change one feature after familiar practice: colour, orientation, size or arrangement. A triangle on a new card should still be identified from its three straight sides. A changed-task check is more informative than asking the child to repeat the same memorised answer.
Record one small observation by language and skill: “points to triangle when heard”, “says त्रिभुज with a picture”, “reads квадрат with support”. Keep independent use distinct from a response after a prompt. This describes a learning step without claiming general fluency.
Try three checkpoints: identify a shape from its properties; compare one stated dimension; explain a model change with an observation. A successful change in one model does not prove a universal building rule. A failed trial can still produce an accurate and useful explanation.
The practical goal is clearer communication: asking for a wider base, explaining that a line is curved, or telling a partner how two pieces should join. Return to the words during drawing and play so they can become useful beyond the page.
Must children learn all four languages?
No. Choose one main language and compare others when useful. The same word numbers make returning easy.
Are these the twenty most important words for every child?
No. Top 20 names a curated lesson, not a universal research ranking or a compulsory vocabulary list.
Why is the square also in the rectangle group?
The inclusive definition requires four right angles and four straight sides. A square meets that condition and also has four equal sides.
Why not say a turned square becomes a diamond?
Rotation does not change side lengths or angles. Diamond is an informal visual label in some settings; use the unchanged properties for this lesson.
Do we count a circle as having one side?
Terminology can differ in early teaching. This lesson explicitly asks about straight sides: a circle has none, and its boundary is curved.
What if a child has no blocks?
Use pictures, paper pieces or a drawing. Explain shapes and choices without purchasing a construction set.
Is a wider base always enough to make a tower safe?
No. Material, shape, connections and placement also matter. Our low lightweight trial is a vocabulary activity, not structural safety advice.
Can a child answer in another language?
Acknowledge the meaning, then model a short target-language phrase. Treat writing and speaking as separate skills.
References and next learning routes
The explanations and activities are original teaching material. The linked references support the rectangle classification and consistent use of length units; they do not rank the vocabulary words.
- Oak National Academy: A square as a rectangle with four equal sides
- Stanford DREME: Math Talk — Measurement at Home
Continue with another language edition at the same word number. For another everyday theme in this series, revisit the weather and clothing lesson.