Learning Shapes: What Is a Triangle?

Khan Academy Kids

This engaging animated video introduces young learners to the concept of a triangle through a friendly character named Sandy the Dingo. The video provides a clear, visual definition of the shape by identifying its defining properties: having exactly three sides and three corners. Through simple narration and on-screen counting, students are guided to recognize these features on a geometric diagram. The content bridges abstract geometry and the real world by transforming the triangle outline into an illustration of a mountain, specifically referencing Mount Fuji. This helps children understand that geometric shapes exist in their everyday environment and nature. The pacing is deliberate and slow, allowing time for viewers to count along and visually track the highlighted attributes. Ideally suited for early childhood education, this video serves as an excellent hook for lessons on 2D shapes and geometry. Teachers can use it to introduce vocabulary like "sides" and "corners" or as a prompt for shape-hunting activities. Its brevity makes it perfect for quick reinforcement or as a transition activity in Pre-K through 1st-grade classrooms.