Oval Shape for Kids: Sides, Corners and How to Draw It
An oval is a round shape that is stretched out, like an egg or a running track. It has 0 straight sides (just one curved edge) and 0 corners. Below you will find its properties, how to draw it, where to spot it in real life, and a quick quiz.
A bright oval for little learners to explore!
Oval at a Glance
| Sides | 0 straight sides (just one curved edge) |
|---|---|
| Corners (vertices) | 0 |
| Angles | None |
| Lines of symmetry | 2 for an even oval (an ellipse); 1 for an egg shape |
| Flat or solid | Flat (2D) |
📐 What Makes an Oval Special?
An oval is a round shape that is stretched out, like an egg or a running track. It has no straight sides and no corners. A special, perfectly even oval is called an ellipse. Ellipses are important in space: the planets travel around the Sun in paths shaped like slightly squashed circles, which are ellipses.
🌟 Fun Facts about Oval
- An oval looks like a circle that has been gently squished on two sides.
- Eggs are oval shaped, which helps them roll in a circle instead of straight off a nest!
- Ovals have no straight sides or sharp corners.
- Racetracks are often built in a long oval shape.
How to Draw an Oval
- Draw a circle that is stretched out sideways or up and down.
- Keep the curve smooth all the way around, with no flat parts or corners.
🔎 Where Can You Find an Oval?
You can spot the oval shape in everyday life, like an egg, a rugby ball, and a mirror. Try going on a shape hunt around your house or classroom — how many ovals can you find today?
Common Mix-Ups
An oval and a circle both have no corners. A circle is equally round everywhere, but an oval is longer in one direction.
Quick Quiz: The Oval
Answer each question, then tap it to check.
How many corners does an oval have?
None.
Which is shaped like an oval: an egg or a box?
An egg.
What is the difference between an oval and a circle?
An oval is stretched longer in one direction; a circle is the same width all the way around.
Printable Practice
Practice on paper with the Shapes Tracing and Coloring worksheet and the Shapes Activity worksheet, or play the Shapes Match game.
🏫 Classroom Activity: Shape Hunt & Matching
Send children on a hunt for oval shapes — an egg, a mirror, a picture frame — and gather the finds on a table. Then play a matching game: draw several shapes on cards and have kids sort out only the ovals.
🏠 Homeschool Activity
Set a real egg next to a round ball and ask your child to describe how they're different. It's a simple, everyday way to compare an oval and a circle side by side.
🔬 STEM Connection
An egg's oval shape helps it roll in a curve instead of a straight line, so it's less likely to roll off a nest — ask your child to roll a ball versus a toy egg and compare the paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sides does an oval have?
An oval has 0 straight sides (just one curved edge).
How many corners does an oval have?
An oval has 0 corners.
How many lines of symmetry does an oval have?
2 for an even oval (an ellipse); 1 for an egg shape.
How do you draw an oval?
Draw a circle that is stretched out sideways or up and down. Keep the curve smooth all the way around, with no flat parts or corners.
What is a common mistake when learning the oval?
An oval and a circle both have no corners. A circle is equally round everywhere, but an oval is longer in one direction.
Summary
An oval is a round shape that is stretched out, like an egg or a running track. Remember: 0 straight sides (just one curved edge), 0 corners. Next, learn about the star, or see all shapes.