This week in mathematics class we focused on Geometry and Spatial Sense. There were many awesome presentations on Geometry and Spatial Sense during the activity presentations this week. One common theme that really stood out to me was the use of and importance placed on manipulatives. We have learned about manipulatives, and they are commonly mentioned within the overall and specific expectations listed through the math curriculum. I have always known of their importance, however, this week that was amplified for me.
In Justin's presentation, he actually provided a worksheet that involved drawing visuals of shapes and finding their lines of symmetry. He then provided geometric "Tangram" tiles to use to make shapes and determine their symmetrical properties. This was followed by 3D "Mega" building blocks to make even bigger and more interesting shapes and then see how that shape could be symmetrical. Justin conveyed to our group that the curriculum overall expectations for grade 4 geometry and spatial sense require students to construct three-dimensional figures using two-dimensional shapes, and for specific expectations students are required to draw lines of symmetry of two dimensional shapes, through investigation using a variety of tools. He provided all three learning options, in a progression, to utilize the scaffolding learning strategy, where each stage builds on the previous stage to progress independence, understanding, and application. His activity definitely stressed the importance of manipulatives regarding understanding geometry as it definitely enhanced my learning and understanding.
Furthermore, upon my investigation into the curriculum it is noted that geometry is very related to our spatial understanding of the world. It states, "geometry helps us represent and describe objects and their interrelationships in space ... Spatial sense is necessary for understanding and appreciating the many geometric aspects of our world ... Students develop their spatial sense by visualizing, drawing, and comparing shapes and figures in various positions." In class, to teach us how to teach geometry and overall understand geometry, we were given opportunities to explore how geometry helps us represent and describe objects, and develop our spatial sense through visualization, drawing, and comparing shapes. We were given manipulatives to do so, and it helped us appreciate the many geometric aspects of our world! I will definitely be utilizing manipulatives in the teaching of Geometry in my future class.
Through reading the textbook, it reiterates the above concepts of using manipulatives as it suggests having students build symmetrical castles out of building blocks and then asking them afterwords how they came upon their strategy for making sure they were symmetrical. The textbook also mentions a great idea of implementing a "Shape Hunt" or "WebQuest" to connect geography with everyday life. Students can observe and identify shapes in their environment, in books, in art, or in structures. They can also draw manupulatives or real life examples after they seem them, to translate their findings to 2D shapes. This is a great way to hit the expectations and teach geometry in a way that is engaging, relatable, and fun for students.
Finally, it is outlined in the textbook that geometry can seem intimidating, as it can involve very sophisticated geometric understanding. However today's class reminded me that geometry can be simplified as well, and understood at any age. We learned of the Van Hiele model and breaking down geometry into simplified stages that you teach students as they progress through grade levels. For example, level 0 is simply learning how to identify and name shapes through properties and reasoning. When you look at each level, geometry as a whole seems less intimidating.
I want to leave you with a great video on teaching geometry through play:
Comments
Post a Comment