2D shape names

[Guest]

Anyone know when to use oblong and when to use oblong? We're confused in my setting?

Thanks for your help :1b :1b

[finleysmaid]

i never use oblong..but i know others do (this has been discussed before!) according to wikipedia oblong means lengthened shape which can be a circle or a rectangle lengthened....so maybe a bit confusing???!!!!

[Guest]

Oh goodness - I did hesitate to ask because I wondered if I was getting into hot water.

We have been advised to use oblong for both rectangle and square, and then square and rectangle as special kinds of oblong rather than just square and rectangle. Sounds as though an oblong can be an oval too?

Any idea where the previous thread is - I did try a search but with no joy.

Thank you

[Guest]

OK, found the thread, from Sept 2011

-teaching-shape-in-nursery

Looks like it's one of those 'choose whatever works for you' situations, so we'll go with what we are comfortable with and try to use the right word in the right place, using all three.

Edited October 12, 2014 by marywilliam

[mundia]

Hi marywilliam.

This topic does come up from time to time, so for anyone who is looking for previous conversations, there are a couple

http://eyfs.info/forums/topic/38632-rectangles/?hl=oblong

and

http://eyfs.info/forums/topic/30808-teaching-shape-in-nursery/?hl=oblong&do=findComment&comment=301926

 

As you will see the advice you were given isnt quite right. You cant call a square an oblong because it isn't. (I use the long in oblong as a reminder). Come back with further questions if you still dont follow?

[finleysmaid]

 

 

 

As you will see the advice you were given isnt quite right. You cant call a square an oblong because it isn't. (I use the long in oblong as a reminder). Come back with further questions if you still dont follow?

Urrmmm ...isn't that what i said? it is an elongated shape...a square is not elongated therefore not an oblong!