In the Common Core State Standards, geometry in the early grades focuses on the attributes of shapes by asking students to identify, describe, analyze, compare, create, compose, and reason with shapes. (That’s a lot!)
So how do we build young mathematicians’ understanding of shape attributes? There are a few important attributes we can pay attention to:
Size: What’s the scale and proportion of the shape?
Position: Where is it located?
Direction: How is it oriented?
Movement: Does it flip, slide, or turn?
To explore each of these attributes and behaviors of shape, we need to give students rich, hands-on experiences that make this learning real. Just like with other math concepts, learning about geometry is deeper when connected to the real world.
Rather than simply calling a circle “round,” give students a circle to feel its roundness! Before we ask students to call a square a “square,” let’s find objects in the classroom that are square! Before asking a student whether a given shape is a triangle or not, what do they notice about the shape when they have it in their hands?
Attributes
In this video, you’ll see examples of how to think (and talk!) critically about the unique characteristics of shapes.
Questions for Reflection:
What is one misconception your students have about shape attributes, and why do you think that is?
Where might you find opportunities in your instruction for students to think and talk about the attributes of shapes?