Star Shape for Kids: Sides, Corners and How to Draw It
A star is a shape with points sticking out from the middle; the usual star shape has 5 points. It has 10 straight sides and 10 corners (5 outer points and 5 inner corners). Below you will find its properties, how to draw it, where to spot it in real life, and a quick quiz.
A bright star for little learners to explore!
Star at a Glance
| Sides | 10 straight sides |
|---|---|
| Corners (vertices) | 10 (5 outer points and 5 inner corners) |
| Angles | Each outer point is 36 degrees in a regular 5-pointed star |
| Lines of symmetry | 5 (in a regular 5-pointed star) |
| Flat or solid | Flat (2D) |
📐 What Makes a Star Special?
A star shape has points that stick out from the middle, usually 5. A five-pointed star can be drawn without lifting your pencil: start at the top, go down to the bottom left, up to the right, across to the left, down to the bottom right and back to the top. It is symmetrical, so you can fold it in half in five different ways and the halves still match.
🌟 Fun Facts about Star
- The most common star shape used in drawings has 5 points.
- Many country flags, like the flag of the USA, use stars as symbols.
- Real stars in the sky are actually giant balls of glowing gas, not pointy at all!
- Teachers often give gold star stickers to celebrate great work.
How to Draw a Star
- Start at the top point.
- Draw a straight line down to the bottom left.
- Draw a line up to the right, then straight across to the left.
- Draw a line down to the bottom right, then back up to the top, without lifting your pencil.
🔎 Where Can You Find a Star?
You can spot the star shape in everyday life, like the night sky, flags, and stickers on your favorite drawing. Try going on a shape hunt around your house or classroom — how many stars can you find today?
Common Mix-Ups
Real stars in the sky are huge balls of hot gas, not pointed shapes. They only look pointy and twinkly because of the air we look through.
Quick Quiz: The Star
Answer each question, then tap it to check.
How many points does the usual star shape have?
Five.
How many straight sides does a 5-pointed star have?
Ten.
Can you draw a 5-pointed star without lifting your pencil?
Yes. Go top, bottom left, right, left, bottom right and back to the top.
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 star shapes — on flags, stickers, and book covers — and gather the finds on a table. Then play a matching game: draw several shapes on cards and have kids sort out only the stars.
🏠 Homeschool Activity
Practice the classic one-line star: start at the top point and zigzag down and across without lifting the pencil until it connects back to the start. Tracing a stencil first builds the muscle memory before drawing freehand.
🔬 STEM Connection
Talk about how the drawn star shape is a symbol, but real stars in the sky are actually giant, glowing balls of gas — not pointy at all. Their twinkly, pointed look comes from starlight bending as it passes through Earth's atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sides does a star have?
A star has 10 straight sides.
How many corners does a star have?
A star has 10 corners: 5 outer points and 5 inner corners.
How many lines of symmetry does a star have?
5 (in a regular 5-pointed star).
How do you draw a star?
Start at the top point. Draw a straight line down to the bottom left. Draw a line up to the right, then straight across to the left. Draw a line down to the bottom right, then back up to the top, without lifting your pencil.
What is a common mistake when learning the star?
Real stars in the sky are huge balls of hot gas, not pointed shapes. They only look pointy and twinkly because of the air we look through.
Summary
A star is a shape with points sticking out from the middle; the usual star shape has 5 points. Remember: 10 straight sides, 10 corners. Next, learn about the heart, or see all shapes.