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Kindergarten · Visual arts · 20 minutes

Lines and shapes

Show a straight line and a curved line. Share observations in a guided discussion.

Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-k-lines-and-shapes

Learning objective

Explain and practice lines and shapes using the activity and evidence, then take part in a grade-appropriate discussion.

Gather your materials

  • Paper and crayons or pencils
  • Optional safe paper shapes, textures or a simple object

Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.

Supporting Common Core connection

SL.K.1

Take turns, listen, and continue conversations about kindergarten topics.

Read the official standard ↗

Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard. The connection is to the guided literacy discussion; it does not establish alignment with this subject’s content standards.

Teach it step by step

  1. Show a straight line and a curved line.
  2. Combine lines into closed shapes.
  3. Model a simple picture and name its lines.
  4. Let partners describe their choices and listen to each other.
  5. Use pictures and words to share an observation. Take turns and listen. Give each person a turn, invite a question, and finish by naming an idea heard from someone else.

Watch, notice, discuss

Video choices for this lesson

2 choices

Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.

Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.

After watching

Find a line and a shape around you. Use them in a new drawing.

An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.

Make the thinking visible

Example to work through together

A house picture can use a triangle roof, rectangle wall and curved path. Naming the parts explains how the picture was built.

Try the starter activity

Create a picture from straight and curved lines. Then discuss your findings with a partner or adult, using the discussion goal above.

Student practice

Create a new picture with both straight and curved lines and share it.

Quick check for understanding

Which shapes did you use?

Sample answer and teacher guidance

Sample answer: Accept varied art; assess identifying visible lines or shapes and taking a discussion turn.

Listen or look for: Accept varied art; assess identifying visible lines or shapes and taking a discussion turn.

Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.

Make it work for your learner

A little more support

Provide thick crayons and large paper; allow tracing or arranging cutouts.

An additional challenge

Explain how changing a line changes the feeling or meaning of the picture.